Today, on the occasion of the Day of the Mediterranean, Matera and Tetouan (Morocco) were officially proclaimed the 2026 Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue, a recognition established by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Anna Lindh Foundation. The announcement, made during the joint press conference of the Municipality of Matera and the Matera Basilicata 2019 Foundation, celebrates Matera’s ability to serve as a bridge between cultures, identities, and histories that traverse the Mediterranean.

The Prefectural Commissioner of Matera, Raffaele Ruberto, emphasized the importance of this recognition for the city and the entire South of Italy:

“This project, promoted by the Municipality of Matera and curated by the Matera Basilicata 2019 Foundation, represents an extraordinary opportunity to consolidate Matera’s role as a cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean. Matera becomes a symbol of dialogue, sustainability, and unity, enhancing its roots and building bridges towards the future.”

Rita Orlando, Director of the Matera Basilicata 2019 Foundation, highlighted the network of connections Matera has already begun to weave:

“The legacy of Matera 2019 offers us the opportunity to interpret Matera’s role for 2026 in a Euro-Mediterranean context, where two geographic and cultural dimensions, only partially overlapping, find in this city a point of convergence. We have already established a rich network of connections with other Mediterranean cities, linking them not only with the new European Capitals of Culture but also with Lucanian communities, bearers of roots deeply tied to Mediterranean history and identity.”

In the official statement released today by the Union for the Mediterranean and the Anna Lindh Foundation during the press conference, UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel stated:

“The power of culture should not be underestimated. In an age of divisiveness and tragic conflicts, we must recognize culture’s potential to build bridges and promote dialogue. Congratulations to Matera and Tetouan for this significant recognition, which pushes us toward a shared future based on inclusion and mutual understanding.”

The press conference concluded with the presentation of the “Terre Immerse” project, which will guide Matera through 2026 with a year of celebrations, artistic events, and intercultural initiatives.

The event also saw the participation of Michele Casino, Regional Councilor for Sports, Youth Policies, and Cultural Heritage Promotion, Francesco Mancini, President of the Province of Matera, and several civil society organizations. These organizations represent the participation and involvement that will characterize the “Terre Immerse” project. Their presence underscores the openness of the process to contributions from the city and its communities, essential for building a shared vision and enriching the cultural dialogue that Matera will promote across the Mediterranean.


Press kit