Montilla-based designer Ana Sánchez Herrador, founder of the firm Ana Ponf, delivered the inaugural opening speech for the 2026 El Santo Fair at an event held last night at the Montilla City Council. Her address was marked by reflections on her roots, the importance of family, and the pride of representing Montilla. The festive evening began with performances by the local choir La Tradición and singer Marta Mesa.
The presenter of the speaker was Blanca Lucena Leiva, a childhood friend, who reviewed Sánchez Herrador's life and professional journey, highlighting her talent and effort. She recalled her early days sketching designs and how her dreams became reality thanks to the support of her parents, Aurora and Manuel, and her brother Carlos.
Ana Sánchez Herrador, a graduate in Fashion Design specializing in tailoring, has developed a notable career. As co-founder of the firm Calafat with designer Calafat, she has presented collections at prestigious runways such as 080 Barcelona Fashion and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. She also designed the costumes for Germán Rendón's carnival group for the Gran Teatro Falla in Cádiz.
In her speech, Ana Ponf shared personal memories of her childhood and youth connected to the fair, evoking family strolls, attractions, and encounters. She argued that "success only makes sense when it allows one to return to the place of origin" and expressed her pride in feeling "profoundly Montillana".
The designer paid tribute to her grandparents, Antonio and Aurora, the latter inspiring her firm's name. She emphasized that the threads of her creations represent the bond between generations and that "behind every creation, there is always a story and roots that should never be lost." She concluded by inviting attendees to enjoy the fair through connection and affection.
The Mayor of Montilla, Rafael Llamas, closed the event by thanking the speaker for her words, highlighting that the fair is a moment of "pride in knowing who we are and where we come from." He stated that the El Santo Fair is a reunion with Montilla's identity and a demonstration of its hospitality.
Llamas emphasized that the fair is a social, cultural, and economic driver, a space where tradition, music, gastronomy, and family gatherings coexist, with Montilla's wine as its ambassador. He thanked all the collectives, municipal staff, fair organizers, and security forces for their efforts in ensuring safe festivities.
Following the opening speech, the procession moved to the fairgrounds, where the Amigos de la Venencia Association offered wine, and various musical groups and performers enlivened the parade. The official start of the fair was marked by the lighting of the extraordinary illumination, and the celebration will continue for the coming days with 14 booths and scheduled concerts.
