Activity 1. Inclusion Seminar
During this seminar, strategies will be analyzed to promote inclusion and equality in cultural activities and events, taking as a reference the Roma population in the city of Jerez and the migrant population on the island of Gozo.
Location: Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)
Date: 5-6 October 2025 (Please, see below the program)
Activity 2. Cultural Event - Twinning ceremony in Gozo
During this cultural event, various cultural activities will take place in Gozo, including the twinning ceremony with the municipality of Jerez de la Frontera.
Location: Gozo (Malta)
Date: 14–15 November 2025
Activity 3. Cultural Event - Twinning ceremony in Jerez de la Frontera
During this cultural event, various cultural activities will take place in Jerez de la Frontera, including the twinning ceremony with the municipality of Victoria, the capital of Gozo.
Location: Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)
Date: 20–21 February 2026
Activity 4. Equality Workshop
During this workshop, strategies will be developed to analyse how to promote equality through culture, drawing on the experience gained throughout the development of this twinning project and proposals will be defined to continue future work between both cities.
Location: Gozo (Malta)
Date: 21–22 May 2026
1. Introduction
The Inclusion Seminar held on October 5–6, 2025, at the Monumental Complex of the Alcázar of Jerez is part of the Culture PIE Project (Promotion of Inclusion and Equity through Culture), co-financed by the European Union through the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-T program, and promoted by the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council. This meeting is part of the twinning process between the cities of Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) and Victoria (capital of Gozo, Malta), both candidates for the European Capital of Culture 2031, and it is designed to make inclusion and equity central elements in the selection of these cities.
The seminar brought together institutional representatives, academics, and members of civil society from both regions, aiming to strengthen mutual understanding, promote social inclusion, and develop shared cultural strategies that reflect the values of equality, diversity, and European cooperation. Approximately 120 participants from both cities attended the seminar.
2. Objectives
The seminar was designed with the following main objectives:
1. To promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the communities of Jerez and Gozo regarding Roma inclusion and migrant populations.
2. To create a space for reflection and co-creation of future joint initiatives on inclusion and diversity under EU and frameworks.
3. Seminar Development
The program was carried out over two days, combining academic presentations, institutional testimonies, and practical experiences, along with cultural activities aimed at fostering interaction between the delegations from both countries.
3.1 First Day – Sunday, October 5
The opening session was presided over by:
- María José García Pelayo, Mayor of Jerez de la Frontera
- Brian Azzopardi, Mayor of Victoria
- Gustavo Cordero Bueso, President of the Ateneo de Jerez
- Fabian Galea, Head of European and Local Funds at the Gozo Regional Council
Following this, Patricio Pérez Pacheco, General Coordinator of the project, presented the Culture PIE Project, highlighting the importance of culture as a tool for social cohesion and inclusion, principles considered essential in selecting cities as European Capitals of Culture.
Subsequent presentations by Javier J. Jiménez Royo (PhD in Social Anthropology, University of Seville, currently faculty at the University of Valladolid) and Francisco Agarrado (President of the Fundación Secretariado Gitano de Jerez) provided a theoretical and practical framework on the situation of the Roma community in Jerez, identifying progress in awareness, education, and social integration, as well as the need to continue strengthening equal opportunities, especially for Roma women.
The day concluded with a debate and cultural exchange activities between the delegations from Jerez and Gozo.
3.2 Second Day – Monday, October 6
The second day focused on migrant populations, their achievements, challenges, and integration experiences.
A joint presentation by Marcela Iglesias Onofre (Sociology Professor and Vice-Rector of Internationalization) and Siham Zebda (Professor of Public International Law and Coordinator of the Master's in Culture of Peace, Conflicts, Education, and Human Rights), both faculty at the University of Cádiz, analysed migration from a multi-level and multidisciplinary perspective, highlighting three main work areas:
- Multi-level governance (European Union, State, Autonomous Communities, and municipalities)
- Bidirectionality and involvement of the host society
- Importance of civil society organizations in effective integration
The Immigrant Reception Center (CEAIN) was represented by Gema Lozano Prieto (Head of International Protection) and Macarena García Martínez (Head of Social Intervention), who shared over three decades of experience providing comprehensive support to migrants and vulnerable populations in Jerez. Their work includes programs for reception, employment, housing, education, training, legal assistance, and awareness, achieving significant results in labor and social integration.
The seminar ended with the reading of conclusions by Patricio Pérez Pacheco and a joint final declaration reaffirming the commitment of both cities to inclusion, equity, and cultural cooperation.
4. Main Conclusions
From the presentations, debates, and contributions, the following conclusions were drawn:
4.1 Institutional Commitment
Local administrations of Jerez and Gozo have demonstrated their willingness to work together on social and cultural inclusion projects.
There is a highlighted need for multi-level coordination between the EU, States, regions, and municipalities to avoid fragmented integration policies. Cultural policies should be conceived as tools for social transformation, not merely recreational activities.
4.2 Role of Civil Society
Civil society organizations and NGOs play a fundamental role in implementing inclusive policies, acting as a bridge between administration and citizens.
The work of organizations such as CEAIN and the Fundación Secretariado Gitano is recognized for complementing public action and creating community support networks, alongside numerous participating associations from Spain and Malta (Ateneo, cultural associations, theater groups, scouts, sports clubs, dance and folk groups, etc.).
4.3 Intercultural Perspective and Gender Equality
Interculturality is considered the most effective model for integration, based on bidirectionality, mutual respect, and positive interaction between cultures. Gender inclusion is essential, especially in vulnerable communities such as Roma and migrants.
It is necessary to strengthen the participation of women in cultural and social decision-making spaces.
4.4 Identified Challenges
Lack of financial and human resources at the local level to implement effective inclusive policies.
Need to evaluate and update existing strategies to ensure measurable results. Strengthening intercultural education, access to housing, and decent employment as pillars of inclusion
4.5 Culture as a Driver of Inclusion
Culture should be understood as a driver of cohesion and community empowerment, facilitating dialogue between different identities and backgrounds.
Town twinning cultural activities between Jerez and Gozo should be designed with an inclusive, participatory, and gender-sensitive approach, integrating diversity as a positive value.
5. Expected Results and Next Steps
Joint design of inclusive cultural activities between the twinned cities, based on seminar learnings.
Creation of a Steering Committee and an Executive Committee to coordinate preparatory actions for cultural events
Publication of event descriptions and this conclusions document on the project’s website
Consolidation of a permanent cooperation space between the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council on inclusion and culture
6. Final Conclusion
The Jerez–Gozo Inclusion Seminar allowed for a deep and constructive dialogue among institutions, researchers, and civil society. It reaffirmed that culture, understood through interculturality, equity, and citizen participation, is an essential tool to build fairer and more cohesive communities. It also emphasized that inclusion and equity principles must be central in selecting European Capital of Culture cities.
The Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council committed to continuing collaboration on joint projects that promote social inclusion and cultural diversity within the European framework, reinforcing the importance of promoting inclusion and equity through culture and supporting Jerez and Victoria’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2031.
Discover the vibrant twinning partnership between Jerez, Spain, and Victoria, Gozo, Malta. This collaboration, co-financed by the European Union, celebrates cultural exchange and mutual growth. Join us in exploring the unique bond fostering unity and development across borders.
The European Union under the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-T programme, and implemented by the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council. This meeting forms part of the twinning process between the cities of Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) and Victoria (capital of Gozo, Malta), both candidates for the European Capital of Culture 2031, and aims to ensure that inclusion and equity are central elements in the selection of these cities.
The implementation of these cultural activities and events in Gozo involved the participation of institutional representatives and civil society organisations from both regions, with the aim of strengthening mutual understanding, promoting social inclusion and developing shared cultural strategies that reflect the values of equality, diversity and European cooperation. Approximately 150 participants from both cities took part in the activities (250 in the twinning event), attending the meetings and events held in Gozo within the scope of the project.
2. Objectives
The meeting was designed with the following main objectives:
1. To strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the communities of Gozo and Jerez.
2. To celebrate and exchange cultural traditions, heritage and artistic expressions as a means of fostering European identity and unity.
3. To increase participants’ knowledge of the cultural heritage of Gozo (in this phase) and of Jerez (in future activities).
3. Development of the programme of cultural activities and events in Gozo
The Gozo Regional Council offered activities aimed at sharing Gozo’s natural and cultural heritage with the people of Jerez, as well as other initiatives focusing on intangible heritage that promote inclusion and the integration of the migrant population living on the island. In particular, the project made use of traditional Gozitan musical and folkloric activities, addressing issues such as gender equality, women’s empowerment and the integration of migrants.
The activities and meetings fostered cultural expression and brought both communities closer together, reinforcing inclusion and equity as core values not only of the twinning process, but also as fundamental principles in the selection of European Capitals of Culture.
In addition, the official twinning ceremony between the City of Jerez and Rabat Città–Victoria (Gozo) was held, laying the foundations for future cultural cooperation. A reciprocal event will take place in Jerez in February.
3.1 First day – Friday, 14 November 2025 – Shared heritage and tradition
The first day focused on exploring Gozo’s cultural identity and heritage, together with its intangible gastronomic, musical and folkloric heritage. The Gozo Regional Council and several cultural and social associations organised visits to significant sites across the island.
09:30 – Welcome and reception of the delegation from Ateneo de Jerez
10:00 – Cultural and Heritage Identity of Gozo
Visits to:
· Ġgantija Temples, considered among the oldest monuments in the world (c. 3600–2500 BC).
· Ta’ Pinu Shrine, a national sanctuary begun in 1920, noted for its neo-Romanesque style and monumental scale.
· Dwejra Natural Park, a unique geological site with cliffs, rock formations and the Inland Sea connected to the open sea through a natural tunnel.
13:00 – Lunch at Teatro Astra Restaurant
16:00 – Cultural and Heritage Identity of Gozo (continued)
Visits to:
· Calypso’s Cave and Ramla Bay, associated with the legend of Ulysses.
· Xlendi Bay and fishing village, on the west coast.
21:00 – Intangible heritage: gastronomy, music and folklore
· Dinner at Teatro Aurora Restaurant with traditional Gozitan folkloric show.
3.2 Second day – Saturday, 15 November 2025 – Twinning ceremony and cultural exchange
The second day focused on discovering the historical and cultural heritage of Victoria, the capital of Gozo, and on holding the official twinning ceremony. The mayors and municipal authorities signed the agreement in a public space, allowing for wide citizen participation. The institutional act was accompanied by a cultural performance by the students of the Municipal Band’s Music School La Stella, an inclusive project involving both Gozitan and migrant residents.
During visits to the Astra and Aurora Theatres, participants learned about the work of various social and cultural organisations, especially those focused on migrant inclusion: Scout Groups of Victoria; football clubs (S.K. Victoria Wanderers, Oratory Youth F.C., Victoria Hotspurs F.C., Shamrock Stars); Oratory Don Bosco; Victoria choirs (Laudate Pueri, Gaulitanus, Urbanus); and four folkloric groups based in Victoria.
The programme strengthened community ties and enabled an analysis of inclusive practices developed by local associations.
09:00 – Walking tour of Victoria (Rabat Città-Victoria)
Visits to:
· Historic old town: St George’s Basilica, The Citadel, Cathedral of the Assumption
11:30 – Visit to Teatru Aurora
Presentation by representatives of the main artistic organisations.
12:30 – Visit to Teatro Astra
· Presentation by representatives of the main social organisations.
13:00 – Lunch at Coffee Break (Victoria)
17:30 – Official reception by Jerez City Council
· Visit to the administrative headquarters of Rabat Città-Victoria.
19:00 – Official twinning ceremony
· Signing of the twinning charter, followed by a reception, cultural event in Independence Square and closing reception.
4. Main conclusions
4.1 A cultural exchange process in progress
The Gozo meeting is a strategic stage in the Culture PIE Project and part of a dynamic and progressive cooperation process. It follows the inclusion seminar previously held in Jerez.
4.2 Achievement of objectives for this phase
The programme strengthened cultural ties, fostered exchange of traditions and boosted knowledge of shared heritage. Best practices in equality, migrant integration and participation were highlighted.
4.3 Strengthening civil society
The active participation of associations confirmed the importance of civil society in local inclusion policies and citizen engagement around European values.
4.4 Twinning as a cooperation tool
The signing of the agreement marks the start of a stable institutional relationship, to be continued in Jerez in February, reinforcing both cities’ ECoC 2031 candidacies.
5. General conclusion
Following this stage in Gozo, the Culture PIE Project is consolidating as a significant example of European cultural cooperation centred on inclusion, equity and culture as drivers of social transformation. The activities carried out and those planned for the coming months confirm both cities’ commitment to building a lasting cultural partnership based on cooperation, exchange of good practices and shared European values, opening new opportunities for collaboration between organisations in Jerez and Victoria.
Discover the vibrant cultural exchange between Jerez, Spain, and Victoria, Gozo, Malta. This initiative, co-financed by the European Union, fosters cooperation and shared heritage. Join us in celebrating the unique bond that unites these two historic cities.
The cultural events and official twinning ceremony in Jerez de la Frontera took place on 20–21 February 2026. Working sessions were held on 20 February at the Alcázar of Jerez and the Ateneo de Jerez, while the official ceremony was held on 21 February at the Cloisters of Santo Domingo.
These activities were part of the Culture PIE Project (Promotion of Inclusion and Equity through Culture), co-funded by the European Union and promoted by the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council.
The events form part of the twinning process between Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) and Victoria (Gozo, Malta), aiming to promote inclusion and equity through culture.
They brought together institutional representatives and social and cultural associations from both regions to strengthen mutual understanding, foster inclusion, and develop shared cultural strategies aligned with European values. Around 300 people attended the ceremony, while the association meetings gathered 150 participants in the morning and over 120 in the afternoon.
2. Objectives
The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding between Jerez and Gozo, promote inclusion—especially among Roma and migrant communities—and foster cultural exchange to develop joint initiatives aligned with European values of diversity, identity, and unity.
3. Development of the programme of cultural activities and events in Jerez de la Frontera.
Jerez de la Frontera hosted activities focused on how to promote inclusion and equality through culture within the framework of European Union objectives. In addition, activities were carried out to share the valuable cultural and historical heritage of Jerez with the delegation from Gozo.
The programme also included initiatives linked to the city’s intangible cultural heritage, aimed at fostering social inclusion and the integration of the Roma population, especially through musical and folkloric proposals. These actions focused on key priorities such as gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the integration of diverse groups.
The activities and dialogue spaces created during these days sought to strengthen cultural ties between both territories and promote participation, inclusion, and equity as fundamental values within this twinning framework, in line with the principles that inspire Europe.
The programme was developed over two days, combining presentations by participating associations from Jerez and Victoria—including testimonies and practical experiences—with cultural activities aimed at fostering interaction between the delegations of both countries and enhancing knowledge of Jerez’s tangible and intangible heritage.
Programme Summary
The programme was carried out over two days, combining institutional events, cultural activities, and collaborative sessions between associations from Jerez de la Frontera and Victoria (Gozo).
20 February 2026 – Cultural Events and Working Sessions
The day began with the official reception of the Gozo delegation at the Alcázar of Jerez, including welcome speeches by representatives of both municipalities, the Ateneo de Jerez, and the Gozo Regional Council. This was followed by presentations from cultural and social associations of both territories, allowing participants to share their work and experiences.
Midday activities included a guided visit and reception at the Cayetano del Pino winery. In the afternoon, participants attended the flamenco performance “Desde la Raíz”, featuring Roma artists, highlighting intangible cultural heritage and inclusion through art.
Later, the programme continued at the Ateneo de Jerez with networking sessions between partner associations from both cities, organised into thematic areas: music, dance and folklore, theatre, scouts, sports, culture and heritage, and volunteering. The day concluded with an institutional dinner.
21 February 2026 – Official Twinning Ceremony
The second day focused on the institutional dimension of the programme. It began with a guided tour of Jerez’s historic centre, followed by the official twinning ceremony at the Cloisters of Santo Domingo, where the agreement between the City Councils of Jerez and Victoria was formally signed.
The ceremony, attended by over 300 participants, included speeches by both mayors and concluded with a concert by the Camerata of the Ateneo de Jerez. The programme continued with a reception, a guided visit to Jerez Cathedral, and a closing dinner with flamenco entertainment.
Participation and Working Dynamics
The programme brought together 63 participants from Victoria and around 120 from Jerez, representing a wide range of cultural, social, and sports organisations. A total of 25 associations presented their work during the sessions.
Collaborative work was further developed through thematic working groups focused on scouts, volunteering, sports, heritage, music and dance, and theatre, fostering dialogue, exchange of good practices, and the creation of future partnerships.
4. Main conclusions
From the presentations, discussions, and contributions, the following conclusions were drawn:
Firstly, the meeting highlighted the fundamental role of culture as an effective tool to promote social inclusion, equity, and understanding between diverse communities. The experiences shared demonstrated that cultural practices—especially those linked to intangible heritage—provide a key space for integrating vulnerable groups such as Roma and migrant populations.
Secondly, the event significantly strengthened institutional, social, and cultural ties between Jerez de la Frontera and Victoria (Gozo), creating a climate of trust and cooperation that lays the foundation for future joint initiatives.
The working groups identified key lines of action, including:
Cultural exchange programmes
Inclusive educational and artistic projects
Promotion of volunteering
Sports and cultural activities as tools for social cohesion
These align fully with European Union values regarding citizenship, equality, and diversity.
Furthermore, the official twinning ceremony represented a major institutional milestone, reinforcing both cities’ commitment to European cooperation, social inclusion, and the promotion of culture as a pillar of coexistence. The emotional impact of the ceremony further strengthened bonds of friendship and interpersonal relationships. The high level of public participation reflects strong civic engagement.
Finally, the Culture PIE Project is consolidated as a reference initiative for promoting inclusion and equity through culture, demonstrating the positive impact of partnerships between European territories. The need to continue this process through new joint actions, monitoring collaborations, and expanding the network of participating entities was highlighted. The final meeting, to be held in Victoria in May, will define these future strategies.
5. General conclusion
Following this stage in Gozo, the Culture PIE Project is consolidating as a significant example of European cultural cooperation centred on inclusion, equity and culture as drivers of social transformation. The activities carried out and those planned for the coming months confirm both cities’ commitment to building a lasting cultural partnership based on cooperation, exchange of good practices and shared European values, opening new opportunities for collaboration between organisations in Jerez and Victoria.
1. Introduction
The cultural activities and events held in Gozo on in Gozo on 21 and 23 may 2026 were carried out within the framework of the Culture PIE Project (Promoting Inclusion and Equity through Culture), co-funded by the European Union under the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-T programme, and implemented by the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council. This meeting forms part of the twinning process between the cities of Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) and Victoria (capital of Gozo, Malta), both candidates for the European Capital of Culture 2031, and aims to ensure that inclusion and equity are central elements in the selection of these cities.
The implementation of these cultural activities and events in Gozo involved the participation of institutional representatives and civil society organisations from both regions, with the aim of strengthening mutual understanding, promoting social inclusion and developing shared cultural strategies that reflect the values of equality, diversity and European cooperation. Approximately 70 participants from both cities took part in the activities, attending the meetings and events held in Gozo within the scope of the project.
2. Objectives
The meeting was designed with the following main objectives:
1. To strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the communities of Gozo and Jerez.
2. To celebrate and exchange cultural traditions, heritage and artistic expressions as a means of fostering European identity and unity.
3. To increase participants’ knowledge of the cultural heritage of Gozo (in this phase) and of Jerez (in future activities).
4. To analyse, through a workshop, cultural initiatives that promote women's equality and to develop future proposals for continuing the twinning process between the cities of Jerez and Rabat Città-Victoria.
3. Equality workshop and evaluation of the programme in Gozo
The Gozo Regional Council offered activities aimed at sharing Gozo’s natural and cultural heritage with the people of Jerez, as well as other initiatives focusing on intangible heritage that promote inclusion and the integration of the migrant population living on the island. In particular, the project made use of traditional Gozitan musical and folkloric activities, addressing issues such as gender equality, women’s empowerment and the integration of migrants.
The activities and meetings fostered cultural expression and brought both communities closer together, reinforcing inclusion and equity as core values not only of the twinning process, but also as fundamental principles in the selection of European Capitals of Culture.
Workshops and meetings were held on equality, in which strategies to promote equality through culture were analysed, as well as project evaluation activities. Future proposals were defined to ensure the continuity of the twinning project between both cities, and a final report was prepared on how to promote inclusion and equality through culture. This report will serve as a basis for future work, enabling further progress in the development and consolidation of the twinning between the two cities.
3.1 First day – Thursday 21 may- Victoria Cultural Tour and Gastronomy Event & Equality Workshop
The first day focused on exploring Gozo’s cultural identity and heritage, including Gastronomy Event, together with a equality workshop. The Gozo Regional Council and several cultural and social associations participated in the activities planned.
09:00 – Guided tour of Rabat Città Vittoria: Citadel, Museum, Cathedral of the Assumption, and the old town area.
14:00 – Lunch at “Coffee Break” restaurant
18 :00 – Equality Whokshop at Citadel Bastion
19:30 – Gastronomic event. An evening of culinary experience: the art of gastronomy. Organised by: Gozo Regional Council and Gozo, European Region of Gastronomy.
3.2. Seconda Day – Friday 22 may – Gozo Highlights Tour & Voluntary Organisations and NGOs Meeting
09:00 – Visit to Gozo’s most emblematic sites: Coffee stop in Xlendi, Sanctuary of Madonna Ta’ Pinu, Inland Sea, Ġgantija Temples, Tal-Mixta Cave.
14:00 – Visit to the Astra Theatre and lunch at “Astra” Restaurant
16:00 – Visit to Marsalforn: fishing village, salt pans, and Austin Camilleri sculpture (director of Victoria European Capital of Culture 2031)
18:00 – Meeting: proposals for the future continuity of the twinning between Jerez and Victoria. Meeting with voluntary associations and NGOs at Victoria Scout. Evaluation. Future proposals.
20:00 – Dinner at Victoria Scout
4. Main conclusions
This meeting made it possible both to enhance cultural exchange within the twinning project and to strengthen cultural ties between the two cities, with active and motivated participation from the population. This allowed us to make progress in the preparation of a document of future proposals, ensuring that the twinning does not remain merely a formal agreement signed between the municipalities of both cities, but rather becomes a commitment to future work that will sustainably consolidate the twinning between them.
5. General conclusion
The development, based on commitment, of a future working document has been the main achievement of this fourth meeting. Although it was the final one within this project, it has marked the beginning of the future work that now starts between both cities.
Discover the vibrant cultural exchange between Jerez, Spain, and Victoria, Gozo, Malta through the EU co-funded twinning project. Experience how these two cities connect and collaborate to celebrate their unique heritage and foster mutual growth. Join CulturePie in exploring this inspiring partnership.
