Creative activities and development in small towns. The example of Teruel

One of the reasons for searching new growth opportunities in the small cities of the less developed areas in Europe is the persistence of strong regional imbalances. Cultural heritage provides a good ressource because it encourages the development of activities based in local talent and adapted to the territory. The article focuses on the city of Teruel and shows how the Middle Age tradition of the weddings of Isabel Segura, which is recreated annually since 1997, has contributed to the generation of various creative activities in the city and its immediate environment. The paper begins introducing the study area. The theoretical chapter reviews the concepts of cluster and creative activities. We then proceed to the analytical content considering the genesis of the recreation, its evolution, functional structure and synergies, in order to evaluate if the activities involved constitute a creative cluster and assess the positive externalities and socioeconomic and spatial impacts generated. The conclusion summarises the relevant issues and includes suggestions for further research