Lima Named Ibero-American Capital of Cultures 2026, Hosts UCCI Meeting

Lima has been designated the Ibero-American Capital of Cultures 2026, a recognition that coincided with the opening of the 41st meeting of the sectoral culture committee of the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI). The event, which began on Thursday, brings together representatives from 18 countries to strengthen cultural policies and promote the exchange of experiences Source: El Tiempo. The award highlights "the cultural diversity, heritage wealth, and contribution of the Peruvian capital to the development of artistic and cultural expressions in Ibero-America," according to a statement from the Lima municipality Source: infobae.

Cultural exchange with Madrid

On Friday, a dinner in Lima's historic center launched DeLiMadrid, a three-day cultural and culinary exchange between Lima and Madrid. Mayor Renzo Reggiardo hosted Peruvian and Spanish authorities, including Chancellor Carlos Espá and Spain's ambassador, to showcase Peruvian cuisine Source: infobae. Reggiardo said the initiative "was born from a conviction that two great capitals can meet" through their cuisines, traditions, and creativity Source: infobae. The chancellor noted that both cities share "the taste for gathering, for making food an experience to share" Source: infobae.

Official statements

At the UCCI meeting, Reggiardo emphasized that "a city that brings culture closer to all its citizens builds citizenship," while UCCI Secretary General Almudena Maíllo del Valle stressed that cities are "the level of government closest to people" and thus where culture is lived most directly Source: El Tiempo. The working agenda covers cultural innovation, creative economies, international cooperation, and challenges from technological and social transformations Source: El Tiempo.

Both sources agree on the core facts, though El Tiempo provides more detail on the UCCI meeting's agenda, while infobae focuses on the DeLiMadrid launch.