Sandra Rivas Agúndez is the new director of the Instituto Cervantes centre in Naples. The appointment was reported by Il Mattino, and the official Instituto Cervantes directory lists “RIVAS AGÚNDEZ, SANDRA” as “Directora” of the Naples centre.
She succeeds Ana Navarro Ortega, who moved from the Naples directorship to lead the Oran centre.
A return to Naples after Algiers
According to Il Mattino, Rivas Agúndez previously directed the Instituto Cervantes in Algiers. Her earlier career also included academic leadership roles in Amman, Naples, Belgrade, Athens and Tel Aviv.
That history means the Naples appointment is a return: she has already worked in the Naples centre in an academic leadership role before taking on the directorship.
Stated focus: Naples, Spain and Latin America
Rivas Agúndez said the new cycle would focus on cultural, academic and institutional collaboration involving Naples, Spain and Latin America.
The statement sets the direction for her tenure without detailing individual projects or dates. Il Mattino presents it as the framework for the centre’s next programme in Naples.
What is planned for 2026
The reported 2026 programme covers flamenco, Spanish-language literature, design, contemporary-art cinema, jazz and Mediterranean poetry.
Those six areas are reported as the themes for the year. As with any forward programme, individual titles and dates may be subject to change, so readers planning a visit should check the centre’s official listings before going.
Practical information for readers
The Naples centre is located at Via Chiatamone, 6G, 80121 Naples.
The official centre page describes its work as the promotion of Spanish language and culture in southern Italy. For language learners and teachers, the centre offers Spanish-language courses, teacher training, DELE certification services and cultural programming.
The directory listing confirms Rivas Agúndez’s current role, while the Il Mattino report provides the appointment context and the succession from Navarro Ortega to Rivas Agúndez.
