The new headquarters of the Association of Brotherhoods and Confraternities of Almería has opened its doors in the heart of the city, located in a municipal building ceded by the City Council. The inauguration was attended by the Mayoress, María del Mar Vázquez, the President of the Association, José Rafael Soto, and the Bishop of the Diocese of Almería, Antonio Gómez Cantero.
The Mayoress highlighted the City Council's commitment to Holy Week, describing it as "a tradition rooted in the sentiment and history of our city, which adds and builds." She emphasized Holy Week's ability to "mobilize more people from Almería throughout the year" and generate such a "positive dynamic for our capital".
“"May this new headquarters serve to unite past, present, and future, remembering those who preceded us, accompanying those who today keep our Holy Week alive, and inspiring those who will lead it in the coming years."
The building, spread over two floors and covering more than 500 square meters, will be used for plenaries, assemblies, administrative tasks, conferences, seminars, training courses, and cofrade talks. It will also serve as a venue for temporary exhibitions of the artistic and cultural heritage of the Brotherhoods and Confraternities, and will house a general archive.
As its first activity, until October 5th, the exhibition ‘The Crosses That Guide Us’ is open to visitors, showcasing the guide crosses of all Almería's confraternities. The exhibition is divided into three spaces and can be visited from Tuesday to Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
“"A dream come true. The cession of this municipal space is the result of joint work to make the dream of many cofrades in our city a reality."
José Rafael Soto thanked the City Council for ceding the space, calling the opening "the beginning of a new era" for the Brotherhoods and Confraternities, who now have facilities adapted to their needs for the first time. The aim is for the headquarters to be a reference point for the cofrade movement and the public, promoting cultural and social initiatives.
“"A beautiful house of brotherhoods like this for all our brotherhoods, so they can meet, talk, and ultimately be together. We are all neighbors, we must join hands and help each other. And for that, there is nothing better than a headquarters like this."
Bishop Antonio Gómez Cantero highlighted the importance of the headquarters as a "home where people can enter, be welcomed, talk, discuss, and above all, think of others," emphasizing that "for that, there is nothing better than a headquarters like this."
