City Medals Awarded in Marbella on Andalusia Day
The National Police, the San Pedro Sports Union, and the Brotherhood of the Virgin of Carmen were awarded the City Medal 2024 in Marbella this Wednesday, on Andalusia Day. The ceremony, always emotional, took place at the City Theater of Marbella. The event also paid tribute to the deceased individuals such as Juan Alameda, Antonio Naranjo, and Juanjo Calvente.
Marbella’s Highest Distinction
As is customary every February 28, Marbella awards the city medals, one of the highest distinctions of the municipality, following prior approval by the City Council. This year, the recognition was for the Police, the San Pedro Sports Union, and the Virgin of Carmen, in a ceremony that did not completely fill the municipal theater.
First Recognition to the National Police
The first distinction was given to the National Police Station, a security force that celebrated its 200th anniversary on January 13. The local commissioner, José Manuel Rando, received the medal in the presence of the provincial commissioner of Malaga, Enrique Barón, who attended the event. In his speech, Rando expressed his “deep gratitude for such a high distinction and sincere recognition”. He highlighted that the National Police has 200 years of “public service and dedication to the citizens”.
Second Distinction to the San Pedro Sports Union
The second distinction, chronologically, was for the San Pedro Sports Union, the oldest football club in the province, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The club’s vice president, Tomás Alcántara, received the medal and remembered the founders of the entity, which has had 20 presidents so far. The club has played 28 seasons in the Third Division and played for three in the old Second Division B.
Final Award to the Brotherhood of the Virgin of Carmen
The last award of the morning was for the Brotherhood of the Virgin of Carmen of Marbella, the city’s patron since 2012. The year 2024 will be special for the brotherhood as the canonical coronation is scheduled for October 26. The devotion to the Virgin in Marbella dates back to the 18th century and the festival every July 16 brings together thousands of people in the city streets.
Mayor’s Closing Remarks
To close the event, which was hosted by journalist Roberto Calzada, Mayor Ángeles Muñoz spoke. She said that the award recipients are “institutions very loved and valued by all” for whom 2024 is a “special and historic” year. The mayor also remembered the honorary president of the San Pedro Sports Union, Antonio Naranjo, who died in 2017, and the team’s former field delegate, Juanjo Calvente, who recently passed away.
