Inauguration of the II Conference on Aragonese Cultural Heritage in Huesca
Tomasa Hernández, the Counselor of Education, Culture, and Sports of the Government of Aragon, inaugurated the II Conference on Aragonese Cultural Heritage on Wednesday, November 19, held at the Casino of Huesca. The event was attended by the city’s mayor, Lorena Orduna, and the General Director of Cultural Heritage, Gloria Pérez. This second edition focuses its discussions on Our cultural heritage and its international recognition, continuing from the one held in 2024 in Zaragoza.
Hernández stated that every recognition granted to Aragonese cultural heritage constitutes a mark of prestige, a commitment to identity, diversity, and the transmission of values. She highlighted that heritage is not merely a legacy of the past, but a living memory that unites us as a society and projects us into the future. The counselor regarded Aragon as an international reference in cultural heritage and emphasized that protecting these assets represents a shared commitment of society as a whole.
The discussions addressed UNESCO procedures, efforts to promote the candidacy of the Loarre Castle for World Heritage status, and the management of these sites. The conference included references to the four Aragonese sites inscribed on the World Heritage List: the Mudejar Architecture of Aragon, the French Way of St. James, the Pyrenees–Monte Perdido, and the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Arc of the Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was discussed, covering items such as the dry stone technique, transhumance, the summer solstice festivals in the Pyrenees, and the descent of Navatas. The program included the screening of the documentary Cuando se giran las sombras, dedicated to the festivities of the San Juan bonfires.
The discussions delved into the urban archaeology of Huesca and its compatibility with urban development. Significant findings included the Roman forum and theater of Osca, the Islamic and Christian walls, hydraulic structures, the musealization of the site of the Círculo Católico, and the excavations at San Pedro el Viejo. The councilor emphasized that these remains demonstrate the importance of archaeology as a cultural and educational resource.
Mayor Lorena Orduna highlighted Huesca’s historical legacy, which extends over 4,000 years and is reflected in its four names: Bolskan (Iberian), Osca (Roman), Wasqa (Muslim), and Huesca (Christian, medieval, and modern). She pointed out the visibility of this heritage in the Cathedral, the Church and Cloister of San Pedro el Viejo, the medieval walls, and the modernist and rationalist architecture of the Casino. Orduna concluded by reaffirming Huesca’s commitment to the recovery, research, and dissemination of heritage.
The debates were broadcast live via the Government of Aragon’s YouTube channel. Gloria Pérez closed the conference in the afternoon. The next edition of these conferences will be held in Teruel, focusing on the Mudejar style.
