Few cities can rival the exposure enjoyed by Malaga at international, and, more specifically, European level. Both in its own right and in its capacity as the capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga is one of the most renowned, friendliest and most cosmopolitan cities in all of Spain and, indeed, on the whole of the Mediterranean.

With this irrefutable fact as a starting point, when Malaga Council decided to present the city’s bid to be named European Capital of Culture for 2016, this Press Association was among the first to offer its most sincere congratulations on the undertaking of such a major initiative, subsequently doing its utmost to play an active role in the initial meetings which, aided by vital contributions from other areas of Malaga society, served to get this key project for our city and province alike up and running.

Now, in recognition of the strenuous efforts being made, we would like to take this opportunity to express our most sincere satisfaction and congratulations with regard to the supremely efficient handling of this exciting project which, should it come to fruition, would provide an enormous boost to the promotion of our region as a destination for the culture-seeking tourist.

There is no shortage of imagination, an essential commodity if these goals are to be achieved, and this is backed up by intelligent planning capable of selecting, preparing and subsequently promoting those features of the city that are guaranteed to ensure the consolidation of Malaga’s cultural standing.

Of course, the great hope and desire of all concerned is that Malaga be designated European Capital of Culture. However, even if this dream is not fulfilled, we must not lose sight of the fact that all of the excellent work currently being carried out in this respect is helping to create a city that, regardless of whether it is chosen or not, is now being transformed –as witnessed by those of us fortunate enough to live our daily lives in this corner of the Mediterranean-into a City of European Culture, an identity that will not last for just one year but for ever. This is the most important, most transcendental aspect of a project that is already bringing benefits for each and every one of us.

Andrés García Maldonado

Chairman of the Malaga Press Association