With the aim of publicly recognising individuals, organisations, groups and businesses that stand out for their contribution to the municipality, the Mijas Town Hall held the presentation of its first ‘Mijas, Andalusian Soul’ awards on Saturday 28th. The gala, which coincided with the celebration of Andalusia Day, took place at the Manuel España Theatre in Las Lagunas. The event was presided over by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), accompanied by members of the local council and representatives from the Mijas Civil Guard Post, the National Police, the Local Police, as well as numerous social and community groups who also attended, including Afesol, AFA Mijas, Sembrando Sonrisas, Cudeca, Cepyme and the AECC. These distinctions highlighted the commitment and contribution of those building an “inclusive, supportive and ambitious” Mijas, said Mata in her speech, “people and entities committed to challenges such as self-improvement, solidarity and empathy within their own spheres of influence, whether in work, family, friendship or in duty”, she added. 

The event opened with a flamenco performance by Málaga singer Daniela Florido, accompanied by guitarist José María Jiménez; Lorena Gavilán danced, while Rocío Suárez provided the palmas. This was followed by the screening of the promotional tourism video ‘Where life flows’.

‘Mijas, alma andaluza’ awards

The awards were divided into six categories. First, in the Culture category, writer Carlos Caravias was recognised. Taking advantage of the 28th of February commemoration, Caravias recalled that Andalusia appears in many of his writings, “also as a cry of dissent and indignation at the disregard and exploitation our land has suffered since the era known as the Reconquista”.

In the Business category, the Idiliq hotel group was honoured for its contribution to the local economy. “We feel deeply connected to the way of feeling, living and sharing the values of Mijas, which also uphold and define our corporate journey”, said Juana Gil, the group’s Human Resources Director, from the lectern.

In the Tradition category, the Association of Stewards of San Antón was acknowledged. Its president, Toñi Barranquero, mande mention of the elderly of the village, “to those who are here today, to those who are at home, and to those who are no longer with us: Thank you very much for instilling in us these traditions, so popular and so deeply rooted in our hearts, which we will continue to uphold for as long as we can”.

CP Patinaje Mijas was recognised in the Sport category for its more than 30 years of history. The club was recognised for its history spanning more than 30 years.. Its coach, Francisco Benítez, spoke fondly of his students, “who are the true protagonists and, without whom, none of this would be possible. Each year, I am prouder and happier with all the effort we make together”.

Alba Aragón was recognised in the Youth category for her involvement in the Mijas Youth Department and in the organisation of activities for young people. “I hope this recognition serves as the momentum to continue creating more spaces, opportunities, and real participation, because when you listen to and trust them, young people respond”, she emphasised.

The sixth award was presented to the parish priest of Mijas Pueblo, Hermán Marcel Lunar, in the Community Spirit category, who accepted this recognition “in honour of those Andalusians who have travelled to so many places and, wherever they have gone, have left a piece of their Andalusian soul”.

In her speech, the mayoress of Mijas praised the contribution of all the awardees, each in their own field, “to the social, economic, cultural, artistic and responsible development of Mijas, a land of hard work, tradition, self-improvement, cultural wealth, natural exuberance, with a thousand-year history that plays a leading role in Andalusia”.

Reasons for the distinctions

The evaluation committee created for this purpose by the Mijas Town Hall to select the winners, which met on the 9th of February, based its decision to honour the Mijas Skating Sports Club (CP Mijas Patinaje) for its significant sporting, educational and social impact, currently integrating 39 girls and promoting essential values such as effort, perseverance and discipline. 

Regarding Carlos Caravias, the award was granted in recognition of “his sustained contribution to local literary life as an author based in Mijas and an active participant in the local cultural programme”.

The Mayordomos de San Antón Association (San Antón Stewards) received the accolade “for their constant work in preserving and promoting the San Antón festivities, one of the town’s most iconic traditions”.

In relation to the Idiliq Group, the committee highlighted its “contribution to the local economy and employment, given its proven corporate dimension, with more than 500 employees at the Wyndham hotel, as its main location is situated in Mijas Costa”.

In the case of Alba Aragón, the committee decided to highlight “her role as an agent of citizen participation and a link between the local administration and the municipality’s youth social fabric”.

Finally, Marcel Lunar, parish priest of Mijas Pueblo, was awarded for “his ability to mobilise and promote values of empathy, intergenerational cooperation and social commitment, setting an example of responsible citizenship”.

Unanimity

The ordinary plenary session of the Mijas Town Hall, held on the 25th of February, unanimously approved the granting of these awards to the individuals and institutions honoured at the gala on the 28th of February, “because they are all part of Mijas’ success and also that of Andalusia, which is a land that exemplifies progress, equality and solidarity in Spain”, stated the mayoress Ana Mata in her intervention, further announcing that these new distinctions are intended to be permanent.

 

Anthem and raising of the green and white flag

The Mijas Music Band also took to the stage to perform pieces by Eugenio García, including ‘Pasodoble Chiclanera’, ‘Cantos Populares de Mijas’, and ‘Club Taurino of London’, as well as the Andalusian Anthem. Following the institutional act ‘Mijas, Andalusian soul’, the courtyard of the Manuel España Theatre was the setting for the traditional raising of the Andalusian flag, while the singer Daniela Florido also performed our Andalusian community’s anthem with a flamenco flair. The mayoress, Ana Mata, was responsible for raising the flag alongside members of CP Mijas Patinaje, the club that was honoured in the Sports category. Finally, the Town Hall served a glass of Andalusian wine to all those present to toast together to Andalusia’s great day.

Regarding this first edition of the ‘Mijas, alma andaluza’ awards, both the Popular Party councillor Mario Bravo and the Por Mi Pueblo councillor, Juan Carlos Maldonado, praised the work of those who fly the flag for their land. “I think it is a good idea and also necessary to recognise the people who carry the name of Mijas around the world and make us proud to live here; therefore I want to congratulate the winners, who with their work are making the town a little better”, said Bravo, while Maldonado thanked these individuals and groups “for everything they do for Mijas, for Andalusia, for Spain, in short, for coexistence, which is one of the aspects that best defines us as Mijas residents, a supportive, open-minded people with our own character and both national and international reach”.

Share it with this link: https://mijasint.com/?a=37314