But the nerves gradually disappeared and the presentation gathered pace in a movie-like setting: a medieval hall in the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, in the heart of Guimarães, the city considered the birthplace of Portugal.
Mayor Natalia Chueca and councillors Tatiana Gaudes and Blanca Solans, together with four other members of the bid, took turns speaking. Then came one of the most striking moments: a video featuring the sounds of water and smiling faces of Zaragoza residents along the Ebro, in Parque Grande, at La Aljafería, the Pilar, on Bizi bikes and aboard the tram.
The succession of images gave way to the bid’s slogan: “Zaragoza cares naturally”. The phrase was intended to sum up the city’s relationship with its surroundings and its ability to adapt to an increasingly demanding climate.
PROPOSALS ZARAGOZA WOULD PUT INTO ACTION
Some of the proposals Zaragoza would put into action if it wins the title also featured in the presentation. They include Green Vive Latino, the well-known festival at which, on this occasion, one tree would be planted for every ticket sold as part of the future Green Capital Forest.
Water would have its own major event with Ebro Vivo, which would revive the legacy of Expo 2008 through cultural and sporting activities along the river. Initiatives involving renaturalisation, the circular economy, climate shelters and public participation were also presented, forming part of the bid’s five pillars: nature, water, resources, resilience and people.
Then came the moment when the press had to leave. The rules required journalists to leave the hall when the jury’s questions began. The doors closed and the Zaragoza delegation was left alone with the evaluators. The decision was now in their hands. Tomorrow, Guimarães’s Teatro Jordão will host the ceremony at which the city that will be European Green Capital 2028 will be announced.
