Galicia STEM Graduates and Fiestas del Apóstol Speaker News 2026

Galicia celebrates ranking second in Spain for female STEM graduates while anticipation grows in Santiago over who will deliver the 2026 Fiestas del Apóstol proclaimer speech following the confirmation that Borja Iglesias will not be the chosen speaker.
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Galicia ranks second in Spain for female STEM graduates at 39.3%.


Experts note significant progress but emphasize the need for continued efforts in informatics.


Councilor Pilar Lueiro officially ruled out Borja Iglesias as the 2026 festival speaker.


The upcoming Fiestas del Apóstol will feature cultural events in Santiago starting July 22.
Galicia is establishing itself as a leader in educational equity, particularly within STEM fields. Recent reports indicate that the region holds the second-highest percentage of women graduating in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across Spain. As the region celebrates these academic milestones, excitement is also building in Santiago for the upcoming Fiestas del Apóstol. While academic and cultural achievements take center stage, local residents are eagerly anticipating the announcement of this year’s traditional festival proclaimer.
How is Galicia advancing female representation in STEM careers?
According to data from the Fundación CYD, women account for 39.3% of STEM graduates in Galicia, surpassing the national average of 37.4%. Experts like Victoria Otero of the Real Sociedad Matemática Española suggest this progress is the result of sustained efforts by universities to engage secondary school students and a shifting social perception of technical professions. However, the region acknowledges that parity remains elusive, especially in fields like Computer Science and specific engineering disciplines, where female enrollment continues to lag behind.
Fernando Suárez, president of the CPEIG, emphasizes that while the surge in interest toward technologies like Artificial Intelligence is helping to showcase the social impact of these roles, more work is required during early education to foster future talent and provide strong female role models.
What to expect from the Fiestas del Apóstol 2026?
As Santiago prepares for its most international festival, speculation regarding the individual who will deliver the 2026 proclaimer speech has reached a fever pitch. Councilor Pilar Lueiro has officially confirmed that footballer Borja Iglesias will not take the stage this year. The city is expected to reveal the chosen speaker shortly, continuing a trend of honoring individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, ranging from sports and arts to academia, who embody the spirit of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is female participation in STEM still a challenge in Galicia?
Despite significant progress, structural and cultural factors continue to influence career choices in fields like informatics, where female representation remains lower compared to health sciences.
When will the Fiestas del Apóstol proclaimer be announced?
Local authorities have indicated that the identity of the person or group selected to address the public from the Pazo de Raxoi balcony will be revealed very soon ahead of the July 22 ceremony.
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