February 29th thru March 4th, 2012

Inauguration of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

The inauguration of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, designed by native Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, was the perfect opportunity for an official delegation from Valencia to visit Dallas. Comprised of 7 members, the delegation was led by Mayor Pro Tem Alfonso Grau, representing the City of Valencia. Mayor Pro tem Grau was joined by Maximo Caletrio, Director of the USA for Tourism Promotion (city of Valencia) and Patricia Iserte, Director of International Relations for the City of Valencia. Marta de Diego, President of the Valencia-Dallas Citizens Committee in Valencia led 3 additional members of the Citizens Committee. They were Pepa Marti, Monica Jareño Garcia, and Vicente Gracia.  

During the delegation’s visit, they met with Mayor Mike Rawlings; presented a dress designed by Valencian couture designer Marta de Diego to the Texas Fashion Collection at University of North Texas; inaugurated an exhibition on the works of Santiago Calatrava at the Dallas Center for Architecture; hosted a design showcase of jewelry designed by Vicente Gracia and fashions by Marta de Diego; attended the March 2nd Bridge celebration ; and enjoyed paella on the plaza at the Meadows Museum during the opening of the “Calatrava and SMU: A Decade in Motion” exhibition.  In addition to these cornerstone events, members of the Dallas-Valencia Citizens Committee hosted the group in true Texas fashion, touring them through our impressive Arts District, hosting them for meals and cocktails, and inviting them into their homes. 

The Valencian delegation left Dallas with new friends and renewed friendships and the Dallas Valencia Citizens Committee members and their Valencian counterparts truly enjoyed the times shared throughout the week. Everyone looks forward to the next time we gather, which we hope will be in Valencia!

Please go to pictures for an overview of Valencia Delegation visit to Dallas and Bridge Inauguration activities.