The Plenary of the Níjar Consistory unanimously approved both distinctions, promoted by the Parish Brotherhood of San Sebastián. The appointment of San Sebastián as Perpetual and Honorary Mayor formalizes a deep-rooted devotion in the municipality's collective memory, where the Saint's image parades through the streets carrying the mayoral staff, a symbol of the bond between the Patron and the people of Níjar.
The Parish Brotherhood expressed its "immense joy" at the approval, highlighting the sensitivity of the mayor, José Francisco Garrido Requena, and all municipal political groups. This distinction is seen as a rectification of a "historical void" and transcends the religious to become part of Níjar's historical and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, Antonio Gil Albarracín has been named Official Chronicler of the Municipality of Níjar, recognizing his "extraordinary research work" spanning nearly five decades. His contributions have been crucial for the knowledge, preservation, and dissemination of the locality's historical, artistic, and documentary heritage.
Gil Albarracín, a defender of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park and promoter of the recovery of the Municipal Historical Archive, continues his work. He will soon publish 'Níjar: history of a land between mountains, volcanoes, and the sea,' which will be presented on October 23rd at the Parish of Santa María de Níjar.
Gil Albarracín's work has also documented the origins of the Brotherhood, dating back to the early 17th century, as detailed in his book 'Cofradías y Hermandades en la Almería Moderna (Historia y Documentos)'.
