This Friday, the Costa da Morte became a key stage for European territorial cooperation with the celebration of Interreg Cooperation Day. Within the framework of the Atlantic Sunset project, the event brought together more than one hundred people – experts, political representatives and citizens – to pay tribute to the natural and symbolic phenomenon of the last sunset in Europe
The event served to celebrate European cooperation beyond borders, highlighting for the first time the symbolic connection between different geographical points of the continent considered finis terrae and which, throughout the year, are the last places where the sun sets.
The event was organised by the Fundación Centro de Estudos Eurorrexionais Galicia–Norte de Portugal (Fundación CEER), the coordinating body of the Atlantic Sunset project, in collaboration with the University of Santiago de Compostela through the Territorial Analysis Research Group (ANTE), the Institute of Galician Studies and Development (IDEGA), the Department of Applied Physics and also Wireless Galicia.
One event, two emblematic settings
Interreg Cooperation Day took place in two of the most iconic locations on the Atlantic coast.
The first part of the programme, led by USC professor Jorge Mira, was held at the Touriñán lighthouse at 18:00, where an institutional reception was held with representatives from Galicia and northern Portugal. The uniqueness of this enclave – the westernmost point of Spain and, for part of the year, together with other coastal municipalities of the Costa da Morte, host to the last sunset of continental Europe – was recognised.
Speakers at this event included Sandra Silva, Director of the Interreg Atlantic Area programme; Luís Pedro Martins, President of Turismo Porto e Norte de Portugal; Ángel Miramontes, Director General of Cultural Heritage at the Xunta; and José Manuel López Varela, Mayor of A Laracha and President of CMAT.
During the ceremony, plaques of recognition were awarded to Carnota Council, for Monte Pindo, and to the Portuguese municipality of Viana do Castelo, for its integration into the network of emblematic sites of the project. The central moment at Touriñán was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the cape as a privileged site from which to witness the last solpor (sunset) of continental Europe, with the participation of Muxía’s deputy mayor, Sandra Vilela, and the Spanish Government’s delegate in Galicia, Pedro Blanco.
From 19:30, authorities and the public gathered for the second part of the event at Cape Fisterra. This part, hosted by Fundación CEER Director Inês Gusman, included the presentation of a new plaque to the local council and speeches by Mayor Luis Insua, Government delegate Pedro Blanco, and the President of the Xunta, Alfonso Rueda.
The most interactive aspect came from the technology company Wireless Galicia, which presented technology and immersive experiences for showcasing Atlantic sunsets. Visitors were able to put on virtual reality headsets and enjoy aerial views of different sites included in the Atlantic Sunset project.
The symbolism of the “last sunset”
One of the highlights of the day was the simultaneous observation of the sunset, recalling the symbolic significance of this date: 19 September marks the transition of the last continental sun from Galicia to Portugal, moving from the capes of the Costa da Morte to Cabo da Roca, Lisbon. This natural phenomenon became a metaphor for transnational cooperation, reinforcing the idea of a Europe united not only by geography but also by culture and shared commitment.
The day was accompanied by plenty of music, including two very special moments: sunset, with the group Os Sib do Solpor, and the festive and symbolic closing performance by singer Irma Macías.
Transnational cooperation and scientific value
In his address, President of the Xunta Alfonso Rueda highlighted Galicia’s role as an “Atlantic beacon”, underlining that what could geographically be seen as a periphery becomes an advantage thanks to its position as Europe’s gateway to and from the ocean.
He also stressed the importance of more than 30 years of the Interreg programme as an essential tool for tackling common challenges in areas such as the marine environment, innovation, mobility and sustainable tourism.
Meanwhile, the Director of Fundación CEER reminded attendees that the Atlantic Sunset project goes beyond a one-off celebration, seeking instead to establish a network of Atlantic territories united by a shared heritage: the sunset as a natural, cultural and scientific phenomenon. From this perspective, the project aims to highlight astronomical and environmental knowledge, promote interdisciplinary research and offer local development alternatives based on tourism that respects both identity and biodiversity.
The programme also included a presentation on the origins of the project, the steps that led to its creation and its potential international reach, as well as the scientific dimension of this natural phenomenon, delivered by USC professor and science communicator Jorge Mira. The event also highlighted Fisterra’s historical and spiritual connection with the Camino de Santiago, where for centuries the journey did not end at the Cathedral in Compostela but with the contemplation of the sun sinking into the Atlantic. This talk was given by Lucrezia López – USC professor and Director of the Centre for Tourism Studies and Research (CETUR).
An Atlantic network for the future
The Atlantic Sunset project, coordinated by Fundación CEER and funded by the European Union through the Interreg Atlantic Area programme, seeks to build a network of Atlantic territories that share this unique heritage of sunsets. The network includes locations in Galicia, Portugal, France, Ireland and other points along the European coastline, working together in sustainable tourism promotion, scientific outreach and cultural cooperation.
In this way, the aim is not only to increase the international visibility of sites such as the Costa da Morte, but also to provide local communities with new opportunities for economic development based on sustainability, innovation and cross-border cooperation.
The celebration of Interreg Cooperation Day 2025 on the Costa da Morte has marked a milestone in Galicia’s Atlantic projection and in consolidating Fundación CEER as a benchmark entity in the coordination of European projects. The combination of science, tourism, culture and cooperation reinforces the idea that the Atlantic sunset is not only a natural spectacle but also a resource for building the future, community and European awareness.