The town hall of Aranjuez and the Aranjuez Cultural Landscape Foundation have organised two photography competitions aimed at young people from local schools and residents aged over 65. These initiatives commemorate the 25th anniversary of Aranjuez's inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The competitions seek to capture and highlight the perceptions of different generations regarding their environment. Participants are encouraged to showcase the richness of the Cultural Landscape, illustrating the harmonious blend of the natural scenery of the Historical Sotos, the cultivated landscape of the Huerta, the surroundings of the Gardens and Palaces, and the urban space of the Historic Centre.
Common formats and requirements
In both competitions, each participant may submit a maximum of three original photographs, printed in approximately A4 size (20x30 cm). Works must be labelled on the back with the participant's name, contact phone number, and age.
A selection of the submitted photographs will be featured in a joint exhibition from 5 to 17 December at the Juan de Villanueva Hall in the Isabel de Farnesio Cultural Centre, and will be added to the Foundation's photographic archive.
Competition for young people (ages 10 to 16)
This contest, now in its sixteenth edition, is promoted through local schools and is divided into two categories: ages 10 to 13 and ages 14 to 16. Young participants must include their name, contact phone number, age, school year, and the name of their school on the back of their photographs. The deadline for submissions is 20 November 2026, with the Foundation's staff collecting entries directly from each educational institution.
Competition for those over 65
This contest is open to residents aged over 65. Photographs must be submitted in person between 16 and 20 November, from 09:30 to 13:30, at the Aranjuez Cultural Landscape Foundation's headquarters (located in the Isabel de Farnesio Cultural Centre). Submissions must include the participant's name, contact phone number, and age. Entries submitted outside these dates and times will not be considered.
Awards
An evaluation committee will select first, second, and third prizes for each category based on originality, technique, and variety in representing the Cultural Landscape. In the youth competition, gift cards worth €80 for the first prize, €70 for the second, and €60 for the third will be awarded in both categories. For the senior category, prizes will consist of Christmas hampers. Winners will be contacted by phone during the first half of December, with the awards ceremony scheduled for 14 December at 17:30 in the Juan de Villanueva Hall. All winners will also receive a certificate of recognition.
