Government of Aragon Promotes European Cultural Route Inspired by the Holy Grail

In a ceremony held on July 1 at the Royal Pantheon Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, the Government of Aragon and the Cultural Association 'The Way of the Holy Grail' signed a significant collaboration agreement to promote the European Cultural Itinerary inspired by the Holy Grail. This agreement was signed by Mr. Alejandro Nolasco Asensio, 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'.

The Government of Aragon, responsible for land-use planning, sustainable development, cultural and natural heritage protection, and tourism promotion, seeks to establish a framework of collaboration aimed at the sustainable development, protection, and enhancement of the European Cultural Route. This route, which traverses sites of immense cultural and scenic value, is envisioned to contribute significantly to the rural environment along its path.

The collaboration encompasses areas such as historical and artistic research, dissemination of their work, development of impactful projects, promotion of awareness and education, and provision of technical and informative advice. Both entities consider this agreement an essential step to consolidate the European Cultural Route as an international reference in cultural and religious tourism. The initiative is also expected to promote the socio-economic development of the regions it passes through.

Important undertakings within this agreement include the creation of technical and informative material about the possible routes of the Way of the Holy Grail, providing promotional advice to the Association, and collaborating on ideas for signposting the Way. The agreement aims to enhance the cultural and natural heritage linked to the Holy Grail and foster socio-economic growth in the territories it traverses.

The ceremony saw attendance from numerous dignitaries, including Marta Fernández, President of the Cortes de Aragón; Javier Betorz, the territorial delegate of the Government of Aragon in Huesca; and Luis Lorén, Director General of Territorial Development. Representatives from the tourism and cultural sectors were also present to show their support, including Rebeca Ruiz, Vice-president of the Cultural Association; Jesús Gimeno Péris, Secretary; and members of the Board of Directors such as Jacinto Gil, Francisco Miguel, Javier Revilla, Pedro Cebrián, and Mariano Arroyos.

Dr. Mafé, as President of the Cultural Association, expressed gratitude to the Government of Aragon for its active listening, acknowledging the over 20 years of effort by the association to give global and universal significance to this path deeply rooted in European history.

The European Cultural Itinerary inspired by the Holy Grail covers various locations tied to the tradition and history of the Holy Chalice, stretching from Jerusalem to the Cathedral of Valencia in Spain, where it is currently housed. Recognized by the Council of Europe, this project aims to boost the historical, artistic, and natural heritage of the regions it passes through, while also promoting the socio-economic development of local communities.

The Cultural Association 'The Way of the Holy Grail', founded in 2002, aims to create and solidify the route between the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña and the Cathedral of Valencia. The association works to highlight the history and symbolism of the Holy Chalice and ensures the continuity of the route in its recreational, religious, and sporting dimensions.