On July 22, 2024, the El Rayo Verde building in Málaga hosted the technical launch meeting of the Interreg Spain-Portugal VI A pluriregional project of the Cross-Border Iberian Fluvial Cruise Network (Red CIFT). Led by the Maritime-Marine Cluster of Andalusia (CMMA), this project aims to create a network of sustainable nautical-cultural destinations along the five major rivers of the cross-border area: Miño, Limia, Duero, Tajo, and Guadiana.

The Extremadura Tourism Cluster will play a crucial role in the Red CIFT project, participating in training for the creation of nautical-cultural itineraries and in the project’s promotional campaigns. This joint effort aims to boost responsible tourism and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage in the cross-border region of Spain and Portugal.

Project Objectives

The Red CIFT project aims to achieve a significant impact in the participating regions by:

• Increase in River Tourism: Creating innovative nautical-cultural itineraries.
• Economic Development: Generating employment and economic opportunities.
• Heritage Preservation: Valuing cultural and natural heritage.
• Improvement of Accessibility: Promoting cross-border cooperation and sustainable mobility.

Structure and Activities

The program is structured around several key activities:

• Strategic Planning: Assessing economic viability and promoting nautical-cultural destinations.
• Certification: Establishing standards for accessible tourism and best practices.
• Training: Developing content and courses to foster innovation and creativity in itinerary creation.
• Communication: Creating a digital catalogue, the project’s corporate identity, and strategic visibility actions..

The Extremadura Tourism Cluster will lead group and individualised training for the creation of tourist products in workshops and will be responsible for designing promotional materials and communication campaigns for the Red CIFT.

With a budget of 816,646.61 euros co-financed by the European Union, the Red CIFT project aims to promote sustainable and responsible river tourism, improving accessibility and connectivity in cross-border river basins, and strengthening cooperation between Spain and Portugal.

Project Challenges

The Red CIFT project faces key challenges:

• Insufficient Promotion: The river landscapes of the border basins are little known and promoted.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Shortage of docks, moorings, and adequate services for river tourism.
• Limited Accessibility: Difficulties in connectivity and access to the river basins.
• Sustainable Management: Need to balance environmental conservation with tourism promotion.

Project Partners

The project includes eight partners, four from Spain and four from Portugal:

The POCTEP HEPRESTONE project has officially commenced with an initial in-person meeting in Mérida, marking the start of a significant collaboration for the protection and conservation of cultural heritage. This meeting, aimed at establishing contact and taking the first steps of the project, was attended by the Regional Minister for Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports, Mrs. Victoria Bazaga, and Mrs. Adela Montaña Rueda Márquez de la Plata, Director General of Libraries, Archives, and Cultural Heritage. Members of the consortium, including the Extremadura Tourism Cluster, also participated, advancing the sustainable management of monumental heritage in the cross-border area.

Project Summary

The HEPRESTONE project, spanning three years, aims to protect the cultural heritage of the EUROACE area against factors such as climate change and mass tourism. It identifies and applies best practices and innovative measures for the monitoring and conservation of heritage sites.

Key components include the development of critical alert indicators and the creation of digital twins for pilot monuments such as the Alcazaba of Mérida, the wall of Évora, and the castle of Portezuelo. These digital twins will facilitate corrective maintenance, predictive conservation, and tourism management, employing an algorithm to monitor the alert indicators.

The project promotes sustainable tourism and preventive heritage management through the HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modeling) methodology, capturing and managing detailed information about the evolution of historic buildings. This intervention will help preserve heritage while boosting economic development and population retention in the cross-border areas of Extremadura and Alentejo.

Co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) 2021-2027 program, HEPRESTONE underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage.

Partners

• INTROMAC (Technological Institute of Ornamental Rocks and Building Materials Consortium) – Coordinator
• Directorate General of Libraries, Archives, and Cultural Heritage of the Government of Extremadura
• Polytechnic School of Cáceres, University of Extremadura
• Institute of Archaeology of Mérida
• Extremadura Tourism Cluster
• University of Évora
• ARROW 4D
• Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of Alentejo

In November 2024, Cáceres will host the World Congress on Inland Tourism, organised by the Iberian Association of Inland Tourism (AITI). This event, taking place from 26th to 28th November, will address topics such as new mobility, sustainability, and present success stories from countries like Spain, Portugal, Peru, Equatorial Guinea, and Azerbaijan.

The main objective of the congress is to analyse inland tourism, its prospects and functioning, as well as future challenges. It will also focus on the cultural and social impacts of tourism in inland areas and the planning of actions for their socio-economic development. Topics to be discussed include religious and spiritual tourism and the sustainability of tourism with a view towards 2030.

Experts from various countries, including Spain, Portugal, Poland, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Morocco, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Iran, and the Philippines, will participate in the event through individual communications and round tables. Additionally, there will be an exhibition of inland destinations aimed at public administrations and companies, facilitating contact and collaboration between national and international tour operators.

The programme will also include a Fam Trip through Extremadura and Beira Baixa in Portugal, aimed at travel agencies and tour operators, to promote the marketing of these destinations. The congress will be supported by a scientific committee composed of over one hundred academics from 40 universities across 12 countries, who will contribute their academic work to the debate.

Thus, Cáceres is preparing to become the epicentre of inland tourism, promoting the development and sustainability of less-explored territories.

More information at:

The International Classical Theatre Festival of Mérida has taken a significant step towards internationalisation by participating in the innovative European programme Dancing Histor(y)ies, a project funded by Creative Europe. This programme, which brings together 13 entities from 11 countries, aims to strengthen the ties between local communities and cultural heritage through dance and the performing arts.

Objectives and Participation

Dancing Histor(y)ies, whose motto is “binding communities and heritage through dance,” aims to strengthen the connection between local communities and cultural heritage.

The Mérida Festival, now in its 70th edition, has scheduled a series of activities including three workshops and three dance performances. These activities will take place until Sunday in various archaeological sites across the city, aiming to combine the best of theatre and performing arts with the enhancement of archaeological heritage.

Programme Presentation

The programme was presented by Pedro Blanco, Managing Director of the Festival’s Patronage Consortium, who explained that the Dancing Histor(y)ies schedule includes three workshops and three dance performances, all free of charge and requiring prior registration via online forms.

Performances and Workshops

The performances scheduled as part of Dancing Histor(y)ies include:

• ‘One Day We Will Be Statues‘ by ILDance (Sweden), which will be presented on Friday at 9:00 PM in the Roman Forum. This production, designed by Israel Aloni, is inspired by the three visits made to Mérida by the Swedish company to immerse themselves in the local culture, blending contemporary dance and sound in a historical setting.
• ‘Ícaro‘ by 420People (Czech Republic), which will take place on Saturday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. Marta Lajnerová, head of the company, highlights the collaboration of six dance students from Mérida in this production, underscoring the value of shared creative experiences.
• ‘Electra‘ by the Theatre and Dance Workshop of IES Santa Eulalia in Mérida, scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. This local production, directed by Juan Carlos Tirado with choreography by Alba Gog, integrates elements of Greek mythology in a heritage context.

Additionally, several workshops will be conducted to explore the intersection between performing arts and cultural heritage:

• ‘La caja de Pandora‘, directed by the flamenco dance company and school of Fuensanta Blanco, involves young people aged 10 to 30 in a creative process that will culminate in the performance ‘The Thread of Hope‘, on Thursday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. This workshop is inspired by the myth of Pandora, exploring themes of hope and resilience through flamenco.
• ‘Didactics of Dramatic Expression‘, a training course led by Javier Llanos and produced by TAPTC? Teatro, has been conducted from 1st to 4th July. This workshop covers techniques for group facilitation, creativity enhancement, theatre direction, stage production, and citizen engagement, offering comprehensive training for artists and educators.
• ‘Utilisation of Heritage Sites as Venues for Performances‘, a seminar that will take place on Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Festival’s headquarters. Managed by the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida, this workshop will analyse the use of heritage buildings as performance spaces, with lectures on the Temple of Diana, the Forum Portico, and the Parador of Mérida, followed by a round table discussion on how to use these spaces without compromising their identity.

Reflections and Future

Jesús Cimarro, Director of the Mérida Festival, highlighted how the project focuses on promoting archaeological sites through the performing arts, defining an innovative, effective, and replicable model for the enhancement of cultural sites. This model aims to actively involve local communities in artistic production and conscious enjoyment of heritage, while also promoting the international participation and circulation of European artists.

Antonio Marín, Director of the Centre for Performing Arts and Music of Extremadura (CEMART), emphasised that “dialogue” is the word that defines Dancing Histor(y)ies, highlighting the importance of communication between performing arts and heritage, among different institutions, and across various countries. This approach demonstrates that “culture is a key that opens doors to cross borders and establish collaborations.” Marín also noted that the Mérida Festival is the only event held in four archaeological sites, reinforcing its uniqueness and commitment to heritage conservation while crossing borders throughout Europe.

Israel Aloni, from ILDance, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in this event, highlighting that Mérida offers an inspiring environment that combines history and contemporary art. Marta Lajnerová, from 420People, also appreciated this European initiative, thanking the Mérida Festival team for their collaboration in bringing her performance to such an iconic setting.

Pedro Mateos, Director of the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida, advocated for the use of heritage buildings as performance spaces, emphasising the need to preserve their essence while exploring new ways to utilise them. The seminar’s round table will provide a platform to discuss these issues in depth, involving both archaeologists and performing arts professionals.

Images by Jero Morales / Mérida Festival

DigitalPress Group celebrated an unforgettable evening this Wednesday with the presentation of the 4th @ Awards of their newspaper Regiondigital.com. The event took place in the charming Gardens of the Hotel Ilunion Las Lomas in Mérida and was hosted by Diego Casillas, director of Miextremadura.com, alongside Elena Cárdenas, an actress from ESAD Extremadura.

More than 200 attendees enjoyed an evening full of good vibes and memorable moments. They were all honoured with the iconic @ symbol designed by the renowned Extremaduran sculptor Miguel Sansón.

These awards stand out for recognising innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact in the region, thus celebrating the talent and dedication of the awardees. This year’s gala has once again solidified Regiondigital.com’s commitment to excellence and the development of Extremadura.

Julio González Morales, CEO of DigitalPress Group, congratulated the awardees and highlighted the crucial role of RegionDigital.com throughout its 24-year history, praising the commitment and loyalty of the team. Looking to the future, he expressed optimism about continuing to innovate and lead projects both in Spain and internationally. He also advocated for simplifying administration for freelancers and businesses. Additionally, he announced plans to strengthen their role as providers of software and digital content, integrating artificial intelligence with specialised journalistic work.

You can visit the full news story on the official Regiondigital.com website.

The next round of workshops for Dance Companies is just around the corner in Viminacium (SB), Merida (ES), Volos (GR), Ostia (IT) for its first round and Tharros (IT).

In all the involved communities the workshop is addressed to a wide spectrum of people: elder people, young people, people with disabilities, meaning any range of the active population in the communities.

Particularly, there is a strong interest for young people having previous knowledge on dance and theatre, as an opportunity for new learning experience on dancing techniques and acting approaches and above all, to promote the interaction between the dance companies, students and local professionals, in order to learn and understand needs and concerns of each other.

Together with a planned visit to archaeological spaces so that visitors can make progresses structuring their performing approach during Dancing Histor(y)ies Festival. Video diaries and communication materials to be collected in order to share this emotional experience among project partners.

DH Festivals press conference presentation – Rome

Dancing Histor(y)ies Festivals are about to start, and we have proudly announced the calendar during a general press conference held in Rome on May 23rd.

Complete Schedule of the Dancing Histor(y)ies Festival

• 25 May–25/27 July: Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica
• 24/26 June: Viminacium Arheološki park/Archaeological park
• 05/07 July: Festival de Teatro Clásico de Mérida
• 12/14 July: Tharros Area Archeologica
• 06/09 September: Volos

This press conference has also seen a detailed presentation of the first international dance showcase to be experienced in Ostia Antica (IT) – one of the most poignant archaeological and ethnoanthropological legacies in the Mediterranean – which has kicked off with its preview date on May 25th and will follow up on July 25/27. More info and the detailed plan of activities and schedule of our amazing contemporary dance groups are available on the official DH website.

Keep following all the steps of the project, we are ready to dance and create new bonds with local communities!

The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

DATA MANAGEMENT

In compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 we hereby inform you that your personal data are part of a specific database for the collection and management of personal data within the project Dancing Histor(y)ies (from here onwards referred to as the “Project”) whose Joint Data Controller is Associazione Enti locali per le attività culturali e di spettacolo, with headquarters in Via Pasquale Paoli n.25 – 09128 Cagliari, VAT number: 01859050922 together with the other Joint Data Controllers defined by the GDPR agreement signed within the Dancing Histor(y)ies consortium.
The Joint Data Controllers may process the personal data collected for the period necessary to fulfil the obligations established in the Partnership agreement concluded between the Joint Data Controllers and other project partners and/or in the Grant agreement concluded between the Joint Data Controllers and other project partners and the European Commission.
Interested parties can contact the Data Protection Officer (DPO) by sending an email to: dancinghistoriesdpo@gmail.com to have a complete view of the GDPR or to exercise each of the following rights: access to their personal data; obtain a copy of the personal data; correct personal data; delete your data; limit processing; request data portability; exercise the right of objection; file a complaint.

Last Friday, 7th June, the Cáceres Business Circle organised the VII Business Network Gala, a notable event that honoured entrepreneurs who have significantly contributed to the development of our region.

In a night filled with sparkle and excitement, the Cluster awarded the Tourism2024 prize to Mrs. Pilar Acosta, CEO of Gran Hotel Don Manuel. Upon receiving this prestigious award on behalf of her entire team, Pilar highlighted the importance of collaboration with an inspiring message: “Tourism is a collective effort by administrations, business owners, and citizens; we must strive together for quality.“

The gala also reserved a special moment to honour Mrs. María José G. Curto, president of the Cluster, who received the Personal Award in recognition of her 35 years of dedication. This award celebrates her outstanding career in generating business and employment, significantly contributing to the economy of Cáceres. María José has been a pivotal figure, not only in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector but also in numerous activities related to tourism and associations, raising Extremadura’s profile both nationally and internationally.

Festival de Teatro de Mérida includes dance in its programme through this project’s ‘Off-Festival’, with performances by artistic partners from Sweden and the Czech Republic, along with another performance by a local dance company.

The workshops and residencies will take place over 7 days and will allow the artists to interact deeply with the historical environment and cultural community of Mérida.

The performances are designed to connect the archaeological sites with dance and the local community, offering a unique experience for both artists and audiences.

Key dates in Merida

Festivals Calendar

ModularBox S.L., a fully Extremaduran company, has recently been incorporated as a new member of the Extremadura Tourism Cluster. This association strengthens its commitment to developing advanced technological solutions for towns and cities in the fields of Smart Cities and Smart Tourism.

Comprehensive Projects for a Connected Future

Specialising in the design, development, manufacturing, and installation of electronic systems, as well as the creation of software for management and automation, ModularBox S.L. focuses on empowering rural areas. Its mission is to facilitate the transformation of traditional villages into Smart Villages, equipping them with advanced technology to improve quality of life and optimise resource management.

Services Offered

ModularBox S.L. provides a wide range of services, including:

• Smart Cities: Development of comprehensive projects for the modernisation of urban infrastructure.
• Web App Development: Creation of custom web applications for various needs.
• Electronic Development: Design and manufacturing of bespoke electronic systems.
• Mobile App Development: Development of innovative mobile applications for different sectors.

Among its solutions, ModularBox S.L. features systems for the automation and access control of facilities such as parks, cemeteries, gyms, and sports fields. Additionally, they implement artistic lighting and public illumination, video surveillance systems, public address systems, and telecommunications.

Success Stories

ModularBox S.L. has successfully completed several projects in various municipalities, including:

• Automated public address system: Improved communication for events and emergency situations.
• Automated paddle tennis courts: Efficient management and optimised use of sports facilities.
• Automated lighting system for the church: Architectural enhancement and energy savings.
• Installation of surveillance cameras: Increased security in public spaces.
• Automation of the municipal gym: Easier access control and user management.
• Automation and management of the general water reservoir: Optimisation of water use and conservation.

With the slogan “We create fully connected systems so you can focus on your business“, ModularBox S.L. reaffirms its commitment to innovation and progress, positioning itself as a benchmark in the technological transformation of rural and urban environments in Extremadura.