The town of Vélez-Rubio has kicked off its eagerly awaited August Festivals. The event began with the reception of the guest of honor, José Antonio García Alcaina, President of the Provincial Council and Mayor of María, by the Mayor of Vélez-Rubio, Miguel Martínez Carlón. Following García Alcaina's signing of the town hall's honorary book, the inaugural gala commenced at 8:30 PM, featuring the presentation of the festival poster, the coronation of the queen and her court, and the reading of the opening address.
During his speech, García Alcaina, who considers Vélez-Rubio his adopted hometown, highlighted the pride of being from a village and the Los Vélez region. He shared personal and emotional memories, from his education at IES José Marín to his experiences during Holy Week, in sports, and at youth celebrations at the Fuente del Gato, emphasizing the town's warm welcome.
The inaugural address strongly advocated for 'rural pride,' asserting that being from a village is an opportunity and a strength. García Alcaina stated that the Los Vélez region embodies rural pride while embracing modernity and diversifying its productive sectors, without neglecting the primary sector that has brought it this far.
The President of the Provincial Council underscored the historical, cultural, and rooted unity of the region, despite administrative borders. He thanked Vélez-Rubio for its leadership in regional projects such as the Revista Velezana, the Regional Museum, and the Encuentro de Cuadrillas (Gathering of Musical Groups).
In his institutional capacity, García Alcaina reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the development of the municipality and the region. He mentioned projects like the upcoming inauguration of the first fire station for the entire region and the restoration of the emblematic Alporchón to become the Water Interpretation Center, as well as his desire to soon open a large family park.
The event concluded with poetic verses dedicated to Vélez-Rubio, penned by Julio Alfredo Gea, on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Following the institutional closing by Mayor Miguel Martínez Carlón, the festive atmosphere of the traditional chupinazo and floats saw authorities walk to the fairgrounds, where the President of the Provincial Council, alongside the mayor and council members, officially inaugurated the lighting of the fairgrounds.
Mayor Miguel Martínez Carlón extended his wishes for happy festivities to all residents, encouraging them to enjoy the events and officially declaring the August festivals open.
