The President of the Provincial Council, José Antonio García Alcaina, will present the nominations for this year's Provincial Medals to the upcoming Plenary. These awards distinguish, through five different categories, the work carried out for the growth and quality of life in Almería's 103 municipalities.
The distinctions will be presented in the following categories: Gold Medal of the Province to the Andalusian Emergency Agency – Infoca and the Levante Firefighters; Medal of Culture to Antonio Serrano; Medal of Social Merit to the Association of Marble Entrepreneurs of Andalusia (AEMA); Medal of Agriculture to the CASI Cooperative; and Medal of Sport to the El Ejido Futsal Club.
García Alcaina highlighted the significance of the medals as a celebration of Almerian identity and a showcase of provincial excellence. He stated that the awardees are "exceptional ambassadors of our idiosyncrasy" and embody the values of society, serving as an inspiring reference.
The Gold Medal recognizes the "unwavering dedication to society and public service" of the Andalusian Emergency Agency – Infoca and the Levante Firefighters, particularly for their actions during the fire in Los Gallardos, which also affected Bédar, Lubrín, and Antas and resulted in 14 fatalities. Their speed, bravery, and coordination in controlling the flames and preventing a greater catastrophe are praised.
Antonio Serrano receives the Medal of Culture for his work as a professor, researcher, and founder of the Almería Golden Age Theatre Festival, a project that positioned the province as a national benchmark and earned the Max Theatre Award. His career includes directing the Theatre Workshop at the University of Almería and his work as a playwright.
The Association of Marble Entrepreneurs of Andalusia (AEMA), celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2027, is honored with the Medal of Social Merit for being "the soul and voice" of the natural stone sector in the province. Its role in territorial structuring, population retention, and wealth and job creation in the Almanzora region and the rest of the province is highlighted.
The San Isidro Agricultural Cooperative (CASI), with eight decades of history, receives the Medal of Agriculture. It is the largest cooperative producer and marketer of tomatoes in Europe, establishing Almería as "the world capital of this product" and "the vegetable garden of Europe".
The El Ejido Futsal Club is awarded the Medal of Sport following its historic promotion to the top national futsal league. The club is recognized for its perseverance, talent, and spirit of overcoming challenges, bringing the name of El Ejido and the province to the pinnacle of the sport.
