“Cáceres wouldn’t be the same without events like the Classical Theatre Festival,” Mayor Rafa Mateos emphasized during the festival’s official presentation this morning at the Gran Teatro. Mateos was accompanied by the Regional Minister of Culture of Extremadura, Laureano León; the Provincial Deputy for Tourism of Cáceres, Elisabeth Martín; and the Director of the Gran Teatro, Marisa Caldera.
This year, the celebration takes on an even more special meaning as it coincides with another major local event, the 40th anniversary of the declaration of the walled city of Cáceres as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO,” the mayor highlighted, emphasizing these “37 years walking together, 37 years of artistic excellence combined with an unparalleled environment.”
The mayor of Cáceres has framed the success and deep roots of this festival as one of the fundamental pillars supporting the city’s international aspirations. “This grassroots culture is what aligns with Europe and with Cáceres’ bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2031,” he asserted, assuring that the municipal government will continue working diligently to attract projects of the caliber and prestige of this performing arts festival.
This year’s festival will once again feature performances in Plaza de San Jorge, a venue Mateos has described as “a true luxury.” This year, its stage will host iconic figures of Spanish acting such as Paloma San Basilio, Rafael Álvarez ‘El Brujo’, and the emblematic and groundbreaking company Els Joglars.
In addition to the major productions, the mayor expressly thanked the festival director, Marisa Caldera, for her “ability to reinvent this event every year.” Mateos also praised the program’s original touches that bring color to the streets of Cáceres, highlighting the offerings designed especially for children, as well as the search for synergies and direct connections between classical theater and disciplines such as music and film.
“Thank you all very much and long live the Classical Theatre Festival,” the mayor concluded, also thanking all the companies and artists who are with us today for their passion, generosity and creativity in making it possible for the public to continue “dreaming in every show.”
