On Thursday Lima received official recognition as the Ibero-American Capital of Culture 2026, an award that highlights the cultural diversity, rich heritage, and contribution of the Peruvian capital to the development of artistic expressions in the region.
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As part of this designation, the city inaugurated the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI) cultural sector committee meeting, which brings together representatives from 18 countries with the aim of strengthening cultural policies and promoting the exchange of experiences.
After receiving the recognition, the mayor of the Peruvian capital, Renzo Reggiardo, along with the Secretary General of the UCCI, Almudena Maíllo del Valle, opened the forty-first edition of this international meeting.
The event emphasizes the role of culture as a tool to strengthen coexistence and generate opportunities. The meeting brings together authorities, cultural managers, and specialists from 18 Ibero-American cities to exchange best practices for cultural development.
Expresión cultural integra música, danza, rituales y prácticas agrícolas vinculadas con la fertilidad de la tierra, el culto a la pachamama y el ciclo agrícola.
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— TVPerú Noticias (@noticias_tvperu) August 21, 2026
The text reads, “Cultural expression integrates music, dance, rituals, and agricultural practices linked to the fertility of the land, the worship of Pachamama, and the agricultural cycle.”
“Lima welcomes you with open arms and the certainty that these meetings are much more than just working sessions. They are spaces where our cities have the opportunity to recognize one another, share what we have learned, and build common responses to the challenges ahead,” Reggiardo stated during the opening ceremony.
For her part, Maíllo del Valle expressed her gratitude for the organization of the activities, which combine technical work, heritage, gastronomy, and community. “We are aware that cities are the level of government closest to the people and, therefore, also the place where culture is experienced most directly… I am convinced that Lima will allow us to move forward in this direction,” the Secretary General added.
The participating delegations will develop a work agenda focused on cultural innovation, creative economies, international cooperation, and heritage management. They will also address the challenges posed by technological transformations. The committee provides a space to strengthen collaborative networks and promote initiatives that generate opportunities for artists and cultural industries.
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