Logroño will host the 40th congress of the Spanish Confederation of Photography (CEF) from 19 to 22 November, with more than 250 participants expected to attend. The event aims to celebrate the art of photography and acknowledge the contributions of various authors and organisations.
The city’s Councillor for City Promotion, Miguel Sainz, alongside the president of the La Rioja Photography Federation, Xavier García, and the manager of the Caja Rioja Foundation, Carlos Fuentes, emphasised the significance of hosting national events in Logroño for enhancing the city’s cultural and tourism profile. Sainz remarked, “The celebration of the 40th congress of the Spanish Confederation of Photography is an opportunity to further position Logroño as a key destination for national gatherings. Hosting over 250 participants will showcase our city and encourage visitors to discover our heritage, gastronomy, and cultural offerings.”
The congress will centre around the CEF’s annual assembly, where the National Photography Awards will be announced, and key recognitions will be presented. The programme will also feature exhibitions, guided tours, photographic meet-ups, and cultural and tourism activities in Logroño and other municipalities in La Rioja.
Logroño was selected as the host city in October 2025 during the congress held in La Palma. This will mark the city’s return as a host after previously accommodating the 11th CEF Congress in 2002, organised by the La Rioja Photographic Group.
The agenda for the 40th CEF Congress will blend organisational sessions with activities aimed at participants, their companions, and photography enthusiasts. Activities will commence on Thursday, 19 November, with participant registration at the Hotel Carlton Rioja. That afternoon, attendees will visit an exhibition linked to the international competition ‘El Rioja y los 5 sentidos’, located at the Centre for Rioja Culture (CCR).
On Friday, 20 November, a day dedicated to photography and the wine heritage of La Rioja will include a visit to the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture in Briones. Participants will have the chance to engage in outdoor and indoor photography sessions, tour the museum, and explore the winery through guided visits. The official inauguration of the congress will take place that afternoon at the Caja Rioja Foundation on Gran Vía, alongside the opening of a photographic exhibition and the presentation of the three finalists for the National Best Photographer Award.
On Saturday, 21 November, the CEF General Assembly will be held in the morning, while companions can take part in a guided tour of Logroño. Both groups will reconvene later at the Paseo del Espolón to view the outdoor exhibition of the 19th Nature Photography Competition of La Rioja. The day will culminate in a gala at the Municipal Auditorium of Logroño, one of the congress's main events, where the CEF recognitions will be awarded, followed by a gala dinner at the Delicatto restaurant.
The programme will conclude on Sunday, 22 November, with a visit to Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres in Cenicero. Councillor Sainz expressed a desire for congress participants and their companions to enjoy their experience in Logroño, hoping it will inspire them to return and explore other areas of the autonomous community.
