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null José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Ponta Delgada 2026 as key to showcasing "Azores' cultural significance"

October 18, 2025 - Published 3 days, 14 hours and 11 minutes ago
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Ponta Delgada 2026 as key to showcasing "Azores' cultural significance"
location Ponta Delgada

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the signing ceremony of the Financing Protocol for Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture (PDL26) at the Luís de Camões Auditorium in Ponta Delgada.

The agreement was signed between the Regional Government, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado, and the Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Nascimento Cabral, in an initiative promoted by the PDL26 Commissioner, Katia Guerreiro.

The protocol defines the terms of cooperation and financial support to be provided by the ministries and the Autonomous Region of the Azores to the Municipality of Ponta Delgada, with a view to planning, promoting and implementing the Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture initiative. The Government of the Azores will provide funding of one million euros, through the Azores 2030 Operational Programme.

The head of the Azorean Government emphasised the symbolic and strategic importance of the moment, stating: "Culture is an expression of our identity and our connection to the country and to Europe. It is through culture that we show that the Azores are not peripheral but central to Portuguese creativity and cultural ambition."

The President of the Regional Government also pointed out that the creation of the Portuguese Capital of Culture contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the national territory.

"This is a way to better understand the entire country, involving its various geographical areas, including the islands. It is essential that the National Government realises that Portugal is not only Mainland Portugal but also its Atlantic and cultural space," he said.

The President of the Government took the opportunity to praise Azorean cultural agents, acknowledging their role in promoting the collective heritage and raising the visibility of the Region.

"It is a source of pride to know that the Azores have a unique place in Portuguese culture. Figures such as Vitorino Nemésio, Antero de Quental, Teófilo Braga and Natália Correia continue to inspire our commitment to culture and freedom of thought," stated the President of the Government. 

José Manuel Bolieiro also considered that the distinction of Ponta Delgada as Portuguese Capital of Culture will be a moment of urban regeneration and international recognition for the city and the Region, promoting the cultural, social, economic and tourist development of the Azores.