This evening, the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna becomes the stage for a global tribute to heritage preservation, as the prestigious Terra Awards return for their fourth edition. Organised by the Fundación Diario de Avisos in collaboration with UNESCO, the ceremony takes place today, 24 April 2025, at the iconic Teatro Leal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right.
The Terra Awards 2025 recognise outstanding contributions to the protection and celebration of UNESCO World Heritage. This year’s honourees span continents and cultures: the Historic Centre of Bruges (Belgium), the Camino de Santiago (Spain), the Great Wall of China (China), Flamenco (Spain), and environmental filmmaker Céline Cousteau (USA).
The awards not only pay homage to historical and cultural sites, but also highlight the urgent need to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage through innovation, sustainability and global cooperation.
An Evening of Culture and Recognition
Tonight’s ceremony begins at 8:00 PM and promises a rich blend of cultural celebration and artistic expression. Guests will enjoy musical performances by acclaimed guitarist Marco del Castillo, singer Candelaria González and percussionist Javier Rodríguez. A special flamenco performance by dancer Genaro Arteaga and the Calle Viana Flamenco Group will lend added vibrancy to the occasion.
With the backing of institutions such as the Ministry of Culture of Spain, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the City Council of La Laguna, as well as private collaborators including Grupo Jesuman and Canarias.com, the Terra Awards reaffirm La Laguna’s status as a beacon of heritage and cultural stewardship.
Award Highlights
Emerging Challenges Award: Historic Centre of Bruges (Belgium)
Recognised for its balance between historical preservation and forward-looking innovation, Bruges sets a benchmark in urban sustainability, with smart energy, mobility, and tourism solutions.
Tourism Initiative Award: Camino de Santiago (Spain)
This ancient network of pilgrim routes continues to unite people across the globe. The award recognises its evolution into a model of sustainable tourism, with eco-friendly infrastructure and digital innovation.
La Laguna Conservation Award: Great Wall of China (China)
This monumental architectural feat, over 21,000 km long, is honoured for conservation strategies that merge traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to combat erosion, over-tourism, and time.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Award: Flamenco (Spain)
More than music or dance, flamenco is celebrated as a living art form, rich in emotion, history, and cultural fusion. Recognised by UNESCO in 2010, it continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Excellence in Heritage Protection Award: Céline Cousteau (USA)
A tireless advocate for environmental and cultural preservation, Cousteau is honoured for her work combining storytelling, science and activism. Her documentaries and initiatives spotlight endangered indigenous cultures and fragile marine ecosystems.
Looking Ahead
In recognising these exemplary efforts, the Terra Awards not only celebrate past and present achievements but also inspire renewed commitment to preserving the heritage that defines us. As the curtain rises at Teatro Leal this evening, La Laguna shines as a global crossroads where memory, creativity and responsibility converge.
