Cáceres, Spain has changed over the years with new areas, schools, and monuments built. It has a rich history dating back to the Paleolithic period and its old city is one of the best preserved in Europe. In 1986, Cáceres was appointed a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Cáceres 2016 refers to the city's bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2016, which the author supports as it will showcase the city's history, culture, and people to Europe. The author believes students from Cáceres will benefit from job opportunities if the city is selected.

1. WHAT IS CÁCERES
2016?
This is the question that I have
asked myself when I got home
one day and I found three big
coloured (red, yellow and
green) circles on my doormat.
Do you remember? My Town
Hall was inviting me to put them
on my balcony.
The people who, like me, have
lived in Cáceres since their
childhood know that this town
has changed a lot: new areas
have been built, new schools,
and many other monuments.
Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, it is always a good time in Cáceres to
enjoy things: classical theatre or avant-garde theatre, concerts of classical
music, ethnic festivals, medieval markets, etc. I’m sure I’m forgetting
something!!
The History of Cáceres began in Maltravieso, back in the Palaeolithic period.
From then on all its past is present in the “Old Part”, which is one of the best
preserved cities in Europe. So, that is why this town was appointed a “World
Heritage” site by the UNESCO in 1986.
But, what is Cáceres 2016? It is the same as to say “Cáceres European
Capital of Culture in 2016”; it’s the quality which this town wants to win and
that would mean that during 2016 Cáceres would show to Europe everything it
has: its history, monuments, traditions and, of course, its people.
Besides, I like thinking that a lot of students from this beautiful town will be
working as translators, conference hostesses, hotel receptionists and tourist
guides in 2016.
So cheer up because the future is ours!!

2. Comprehension check
1. Make a summary of the text.
2. Answer these questions. Look for the answer in the text.
- How Cáceres has changed in the past few years?
- What can you enjoy in Cáceres?
- When does the history of Cáceres go back to?
- What was Cáceres appointed in 1986? By whom?
- What is “Cáceres 2016”?
- Is the writer happy with the idea? Why?
3. Discussion
1. What does UNESCO stand for? What is it? If you don’t know you
can look it up on the Internet.
2. Do you think that Cáceres would be the best city to represent
Spain? If you think so, go into this webpage and vote “yes”. (http://
caceres2016.net)
3. Would you nominate any other city of Extremadura to be the
European Capital of Culture in 2016? Why?