The Government of Aragón has successfully ensured that its requests regarding the commemoration of the Bicentennial of Francisco de Goya’s death are recognized at the national level. The Vice President and Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Culture, Mar Vaquero, expressed her satisfaction in confirming that Aragón’s leadership will be a cornerstone of this event of exceptional public interest, in collaboration with the Government of Spain and the Ministry of Culture.
Aragón’s Requests to the Government of Spain
In March, the President of Aragón, Jorge Azcón, sent a letter to the President of the Government of Spain outlining several requests for Goya’s Bicentennial. He proposed that Their Majesties the Kings assume the Honorary Presidency of the National Bicentennial Commission and requested one of the vice-presidencies for Aragón. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of holding the first meeting of the commission in Zaragoza, Goya’s birthplace. This letter also included a request for the event to be declared of exceptional public interest, which has been approved.
Declaration of an Event of Exceptional Public Interest
Mar Vaquero underscored the significance of Aragón’s requests being acknowledged, highlighting the joint presentation event for the Bicentennial that will take place in Zaragoza. The publication of Royal Decree-Law 12/2026 in the Official State Gazette confirms the declaration of the bicentennial as an event of exceptional public interest, a significant achievement for the Government of Aragón.
Aragón’s Leadership and the Significance of Goya
Vice President Vaquero emphasized that the celebration of the bicentennial in Aragón will not only highlight Goya’s genius as an artist but also his Aragonese identity. According to Vaquero, Goya embodies the genius and character of the Aragonese people, and his legacy is a source of pride for the region. The efforts of the Government of Aragón have been carried out in a spirit of loyal collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, including the proposal for the Kings to serve as Honorary Presidents of the National Commission.
The joint event between the Government of Aragón and the Ministry of Culture, which will take place at the Cartuja de Aula Dei, will mark the beginning of the Bicentennial activities and will be a preliminary step to the establishment of the National Commission. This event symbolizes the shared commitment to promote and coordinate activities surrounding this significant anniversary.
