The Government delegate in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, participated this Thursday in the inauguration of the tenth edition of the Cultural Spring of the IES Montesclaro de Reinosa, a consolidated event as a cultural reference in the region and which will have the presence of outstanding experts in various fields of knowledge.
During his speech, Gómez de Diego highlighted the evolution of the event throughout the decade, highlighting its importance for the Campurrian region and its projection at the national level. "What you have achieved over the past ten years, transforming a small cultural week into a landmark event that transcends the regional arena, is worthy of admiration," he said. In addition, it has highlighted the role of culture as a driver of development in rural areas. “Culture is a powerful weapon to revitalize our rural areas,” he said.
He has also praised this year’s programming, highlighting the variety of topics addressed. "During these days you are going to deal with issues of great interest that concern us all, such as the threats of climate change, artificial intelligence and its challenges, the fight against misinformation, the importance of diversity as a strategy against racism and xenophobia, or awareness of rare diseases," he said. "These are debates that we as a society must address with depth and reflection, and this forum is a privileged space for it."
Gómez de Diego has also highlighted the value of culture in personal and collective training. "Access to culture is fundamental, because it gives the human being self-realization, contact with other people, promotes values such as tolerance and helps develop even other forms of intelligence and creativity," he said.
In this sense, he has highlighted how initiatives such as the Cultural Spring contribute to strengthening the identity of the region and projecting its educational and cultural wealth beyond its borders. "Culture is a powerful weapon to revitalize and empower our rural areas, and their population, promoting equal opportunities, since it is a citizen's right essential for their development, coexistence and social cohesion, strengthening personal relationships, reinforcing emotional and affective bonding, and as a decisive agent of the whole territory," added the delegate.
Twenty activities
The programming of this edition includes about 20 activities in which prominent figures such as the journalists Nieves Concostrina, Ernesto Ekaizer and Jesús Maraña will participate, as well as the forensic psychologist Javier Urra. The presentations will address current issues such as Artificial Intelligence, disinformation on social networks, climate change or nutrition.
As in previous editions, the Cultural Spring will coincide with the XXVIII Book Fair and the V Fair of FP and Companies, which will include the traditional Torneros Contest. It will also feature an inclusive theatre performance by the actors of the film 'Campeones', Josete Luna and Edu Luki, and a Bike Trial exhibition with world champions Vaclav Kolar and Raúl Gutiérrez.
The event will also host a solidarity day on rare diseases organized by the Association 'For two thumbs of nothing', as well as a session dedicated to racism with the participation of actor Lamine Thior and activist Sani Ladan.
The program is completed with the IV National Photography Contest, under the motto 'La Merindad de Campoo: Natural and Cultural Heritage'. With prizes of up to 1,500 euros, it also includes a school category for students from the region.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by, in addition to the Government delegate, the Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Universities, Sergio Silva; the Mayor of Reinosa, José Luis López Vielba; the Director of the IES Montesclaro, Norberto García, and the General Director of Educational Centers and Infrastructures, Reyes Mantilla.
Gómez de Diego has encouraged students to actively participate in the programmed activities: "You are growing up as people in an admirable educational center not only academically, but also socially and culturally."