Major celebrations are being planned to mark the 700th anniversary of Lanzarote´s discovery by the Genovese navigator Lancelotto Malocello. With island authorities planning a whole raft of events to mark this historic event in 2012.
The events will be organised by the Ayuntamiento of Arrecife and the Government of Lanzarote in conjunction with the Association of Italian Friends of Lanzarote. A first meeting was held in September last year to begin planning the celebrations.
One of the main proposals is the twinning of the island capital of Arrecife with the Italian town of Varazze, the birthplace of Lancelotto, situated in the region of Liguria, which in the past formed part of the principality of Genoa. A corporate identity and logo, with elements drawn from both cities, will be developed to accompany the centenarian festivities.
Other activities that are proposed include the formation of an Honorary Committee and a Scientific Committee. The former will be charged with inviting bodies and individuals from both Spain and Italy to participate in the events. Whilst the latter will be composed of experts in the fields of history, geography and medieval philosophy from universities in both countries, and especially from the seats of learning in Rome, Venice, Genoa and Palermo. An international congress is proposed focusing on the exploits of the Italian navigator.
