The Government of Aragon and the Cultural Association The Way of the Holy Grail have officially joined forces to promote the European Cultural Itinerary inspired by the Holy Grail. The collaboration agreement, signed on July 1 at the Royal Pantheon Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, aims to establish a framework for sustainable development, protection, and enhancement of the route, which is rich in cultural and scenic value.
Alejandro Nolasco Asensio, the First Vice-President and Councillor for Territorial Development, Depopulation, and Justice of the Government of Aragon, and Dr. Ana Mafé García, President of the Cultural Association The Way of the Holy Grail, spearheaded the signing ceremony. Their joint efforts will focus on ensuring that 'The Way of the Holy Grail' becomes a cornerstone for cultural and religious tourism, thereby fostering socio-economic development in the regions it traverses.
The agreement emphasizes collaboration in various sectors, including historical and artistic research, dissemination of findings, and development of impactful projects. Furthermore, it aims to raise awareness and education about the Holy Grail Way through technical and informative advice. In essence, this initiative seeks to consolidate the European Cultural Route as an international reference point, thereby promoting sustainable development in participating territories.
Key activities under this agreement include the creation of technical and informative materials on potential routes, promotional advice, and collaboration on signposting ideas for the Way. Both the Government of Aragon and the Cultural Association have highlighted the importance of this agreement in enhancing the cultural and natural heritage linked to the Holy Grail, while simultaneously spurring socio-economic growth in the regions along the route.
The signing event was attended by notable figures such as Marta Fernández, President of the Cortes de Aragón; Javier Betorz, Territorial Delegate of the Government of Aragon in Huesca; and Luis Lorén, Director General of Territorial Development, among others. Representatives from the tourism and cultural sectors were also present to show their support for this significant initiative. Rebeca Ruiz, Vice-President of the Cultural Association, and other board members including Jesús Gimeno Péris, Jacinto Gil, Francisco Miguel, Javier Revilla, Pedro Cebrián, and Mariano Arroyos, were in attendance.
Dr. Mafé expressed her gratitude to the Government of Aragon for their active listening and support, noting that the Association has been working for over 20 years to give a global and universal dimension to the Holy Grail route, which is deeply rooted in European history.
The European Cultural Itinerary inspired by the Holy Grail spans various locations linked to the tradition and history of the Holy Chalice, from Jerusalem to the Cathedral of Valencia, where it is currently housed. Recognized by the Council of Europe, the itinerary aims to enhance the historical, artistic, and natural heritage of the regions it crosses, while promoting the socio-economic development of local communities.
