The municipality of Los Gallardos held its Holy Mass in honor of its patron saint, the Virgen del Carmen, yesterday. The religious event, officiated by the Bishop of the Diocese of Almería, Antonio Gómez Cantero, and the parish priest Víctor Manuel Fernández, was characterized by solemnity and regional unity following the recent forest fire that affected Los Gallardos, Bédar, Lubrín, Antas, and Sorbas.
Given the suspension of the traditional patron saint festivities decided by the City Council, residents, representatives of the State Security Forces and Corps, Rescue and Extinction teams, and institutional authorities gathered for a liturgy of prayer and homage. The mayor, Francisco Reyes, thanked the mayor of Bédar, Ángel Collado, for his presence and expressed the support of the people of Los Gallardos.
The president of the Provincial Council, José Antonio García, personally conveyed the affection and solidarity of the entire province of Almería to the attending mayors. He extended his gratitude to the Civil Guard, Levante Firefighters, INFOCA, UME, Local Police, and Civil Protection, among other attendees, recognizing their work during the tragedy.
During the ceremony, parish priest Víctor Manuel Fernández highlighted the dedication and solidarity of the people of Almería, while Bishop Antonio Gómez Cantero ceded the homily to focus on accompanying the victims and the heroes of the fire. The president of the Provincial Council assured that "the entire province of Almería embraces the families of the victims strongly in their grief and pays sincere homage to their memory."
