Premio Pueblo de Cantabria 2025: A Celebration of Rural Excellence and Cultural Heritage

In a move to recognize and support the improvement and preservation of rural communities in Cantabria, the regional government has announced the opening of the application period for the "Premio Pueblo de Cantabria 2025." This prestigious award, initiated by the Consejería de Fomento, Vivienda, Ordenación del Territorio y Medio Ambiente, aims to honor the most outstanding municipal infrastructure projects in towns with a population of less than 1,000 inhabitants.

Application Period and Eligibility

The application period for the Premio Pueblo de Cantabria 2025 begins on February 25, 2025, and will close on May 5, 2025. Municipalities and local entities across Cantabria are eligible to participate, provided they can demonstrate significant improvements in the quality of life for their residents or notable respect for the region's traditional, cultural, or historical values.

Prize and Recognition

The winner of the Premio Pueblo de Cantabria 2025 will receive a substantial prize of 160,000 euros, a significant increase from the previous year's 130,000 euros, marking a 23% rise. This funding is intended to cover the costs associated with the execution of the winning project, with the condition that the project must be completed within the year 2025. In addition to the main prize, two runner-up awards of 20,000 euros each will be granted to the second and third-place winners, doubling the previous year's amount of 10,000 euros.

Historical Context and Past Winners

Since its inception, the Premio Pueblo de Cantabria has recognized numerous towns for their exemplary efforts. Past winners include Novales (Alfoz de Lloredo) in 2005, Caviedes (Valdáliga) in 2006, Puente Viesgo in 2007, Mazcuerras in 2008, Udalla (Ampuero) in 2009, and more recently, San Martín de Toranzo (Santiurde de Toranzo) in 2024. These towns have set a high standard for community development and cultural preservation.

Objectives and Impact

According to Roberto Media, the Consejero de Fomento, Vivienda, Ordenación del Territorio y Medio Ambiente, the primary objective of the Premio Pueblo de Cantabria is to promote and support the recovery, improvement, and maintenance of Cantabria's rural towns. This initiative is part of a broader effort to defend traditional values, protect the natural and ecological environment, and preserve the historical, cultural, and artistic heritage of the region.

For expats living in or considering moving to Cantabria, this award highlights the region's commitment to preserving its unique cultural identity and enhancing the quality of life in its rural communities. It underscores the beauty and charm of Cantabria's smaller towns, making them attractive destinations for those seeking a rich cultural experience and a high quality of life.

As the application period opens, municipalities across Cantabria are encouraged to submit their projects, contributing to the ongoing effort to make the region's rural areas vibrant and sustainable. This initiative not only benefits the local communities but also enriches the cultural landscape of Cantabria, making it an even more appealing place to live and visit.