The Plaza José Rodríguez Quintana in Barrial was the venue for the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Amagro de Oro’ award, a new distinction established by the Amagro Neighbors Association. This award aims to honor individuals, groups, and entities that have fostered the neighborhood's progress, preserved its traditions, and strengthened social cohesion among residents.
The first award was presented to the mayor of Gáldar, Teodoro Sosa Monzón. The recognition celebrated his leadership of the city council and, specifically, his close relationship and collaboration with the Barrial neighborhood and the broader citizens' movement.
The event, part of the festivities honoring Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados 2026, was hosted by Andrea García and featured a performance by Amanda Velasco. José García, president of the Amagro Neighbors Association, explained that the new award intends to become a local tradition, publicly acknowledging those who have contributed to the neighborhood's growth, the maintenance of its customs, and the defense of its identity.
The selection of Teodoro Sosa was also linked to Barrial's history as a 'neighborhood of mayors,' referencing streets dedicated to figures like Mayor Demetrio Suárez and Mayor Manuel Godoy. During the ceremony, José García formally proposed to the Gáldar City Council that they consider naming a street after Mayor Teodoro Claret Sosa Monzón in his home neighborhood of La Montaña, an initiative that will undergo the appropriate procedural review.
Teodoro Sosa expressed his deep gratitude, particularly emphasizing that the award comes from Barrial, a neighborhood he noted understands the significance of citizen participation and the neighborhood association movement. He highlighted the contributions of various associations and recalled influential local figures such as Juan del Rosario and Pepe el de Kika, while also commending Barrial's commitment to its festivals, infrastructure, sports, youth activities, and social projects.
The mayor affirmed that Gáldar has consistently supported its residents and their proposals. He also dedicated the award to everyone who has helped build the community, stating, 'Neighborhoods are not made of walls or buildings: they are made by their people'.
Sosa advocated for the ‘Amagro de Oro’ to serve as a forward-looking inspiration, encouraging a vibrant, socially engaged Barrial with individuals committed to working together through associative efforts. He concluded by stating that, despite successes and challenges, 'I will never have greater honor than having been the mayor of Barrial and Gáldar'.
The day concluded with a performance by the Parranda Araguaney in the Plaza José Rodríguez Quintana, marking the end of an event that initiated this new tradition of neighborhood recognition and proposed the future possibility of naming a street in La Montaña after Teodoro Sosa.
