San Cristóbal de La Laguna once again took centre stage in the international cultural calendar as it hosted the fifth edition of the Terra Awards, organised by the Fundación Diario de Avisos. Held at the emblematic Teatro Leal, the ceremony reaffirmed the city’s role as a global meeting point for heritage, dialogue and sustainability. As the only UNESCO World Heritage city in the Canary Islands, San Cristóbal de La Laguna once again provided the ideal setting for an event that continues to grow in international relevance since its inception in 2022.
This year’s edition coincided with World Book Day, reinforcing the broader cultural significance of the occasion. The Terra Awards recognise individuals, projects and institutions committed to preserving both natural and cultural heritage, and in 2026, they carried a clear and urgent message: safeguarding heritage is inseparable from protecting the planet itself.
A gala marked by unity, culture and a shared message
The event brought together a large and engaged audience, who attended a dynamic and carefully curated ceremony hosted by María José Enríquez. Through speeches and performances, a common theme emerged: heritage transcends borders and serves as a bridge between cultures, requiring collective responsibility to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Opening the ceremony, Badel Albelo emphasised the symbolic importance of the host city, describing it as “a place of encounter, coexistence and continuous dialogue between past and future.” He underlined that holding World Heritage status entails not only protecting a shared legacy but also fostering innovation and projecting that heritage forward.
Recognition of resilience, identity and global challenges
The evening’s first distinction, the Terra Ciudad de La Laguna Conservation Prize, was awarded to the Historic Centre and Old Bridge of Mostar. The recognition highlighted both the architectural and symbolic significance of the bridge, rebuilt in 2004 after its destruction during the Bosnian War. Mario Kordić stressed that the award honours values such as coexistence, dialogue and cultural continuity, while also serving as a powerful symbol of reconciliation.
The second award, dedicated to intangible heritage, celebrated the cultural richness of Mariachi. Presented to representatives of the Mexican Cultural Institute in Spain, the recognition underscored mariachi not only as a musical genre but as a living expression of identity, history and collective memory. The gala’s atmosphere was further elevated by a live performance from Mariachi Mencey Azteca, bringing emotional depth and authenticity to the evening.
Global environmental challenges also took centre stage with the award to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the planet’s most valuable marine ecosystems. Rosemary Morris-Castico highlighted the shared responsibility of protecting marine biodiversity and stressed that climate change represents the greatest threat to coral reefs worldwide, requiring coordinated international action.
A strong call for protection and collective responsibility
In one of the most reflective moments of the evening, Priscila González delivered a speech that captured the essence of the event: heritage does not protect itself. She emphasised that its preservation depends on knowledge, commitment and a shared sense of ownership, reinforcing the idea that people only truly protect what they feel connected to.
The award for Excellence in Heritage Protection went to Miguel Delibes de Castro, a leading figure in conservation. In his speech, he reminded the audience that natural heritage underpins all other forms of heritage and warned that global environmental degradation threatens ecosystems worldwide. His message was clear: no country or individual can address these challenges alone; collective action is essential.
The final award, focused on sustainable management, was presented to Machu Picchu. Representatives highlighted the delicate balance required between tourism, conservation and development, stressing the importance of long-term planning, international cooperation and informed decision-making.
A closing that celebrates culture and connection
The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note, with a final performance by Mariachi Mencey Azteca, whose renditions of iconic pieces brought the audience to its feet. The closing moments encapsulated the spirit of the Terra Awards: a fusion of culture, emotion and shared purpose.
In essence, the Terra Awards 2026 went beyond recognition—they became a platform for global reflection and a call to action. Through diverse voices and experiences, the event reinforced a central idea: protecting heritage is not only about preserving the past, but about securing a sustainable future for all.
