The Sanctuary Temple of Santiago Apóstol in Gáldar was the venue for the Institutional Act of Honors and Distinctions, a central event within the locality's 544th Main Festivals. This ceremony recognized the work of 23 residents and entities, distinguishing them as Distinguished Sons, Adopted Sons, and with Gold and Silver Medals.
Teodoro Sosa, the mayor of Gáldar, emphasized that a city's greatness is measured not only by its constructions or investments, but by the human quality of its people. He highlighted that the evening's awards honored not just professional careers, but also values such as public service, solidarity, effort, knowledge, cultural commitment, love for nature, entrepreneurship, free information, citizen participation, and sports as a school of life.
Addressing the honorees, the mayor concluded that they represent the values that have made Gáldar a more cohesive, prepared, solidary, and proud city. He stressed that they are part of the city's greatest asset: its people.
Julio Mateo Castillo, first deputy mayor and councilor for Culture and Festivals, highlighted that the event recognizes individuals and groups who, from diverse fields, have contributed to improving the city and enhancing Gáldar's name, chosen for their exemplary careers, dedication, and commitment to others.
Among those honored as Distinguished Sons are veterinarian Pascual Calabuig, traumatologist Arturo Montesdeoca, businessman José Oliva, doctor Antonio Ramos, and neighborhood leader José de la Cruz Mendoza Rivero, known as ‘Pepe Torres’. Writer and journalist Josefa Molina, and posthumously, physician Martín Nicolás Molina, were also recognized.
Journalist Pino Araceli Rivero Gil, ceramicist and sculptor Diego Higueras, and doctors Manuel Antonio Ojeda and Nicolás Torres were named Adopted Sons.
The City Council also presented ten Gold Medals to the Asociación Madres Solidarias, local media outlets Infonorte Digital, Noroeste Televisión, and Nortevisión, pharmacists Juan Antonio García and María del Carmen Ojeda, renowned dentist Amable Rodríguez, and José Luis Domínguez of Óptica Domínguez Romero. Posthumous recipients of this award included educator Raúl Saavedra López and athlete Zebensui Ramos González.
Silver Medals were awarded to teacher Rosa María Rodríguez for her community work and to volunteer Juan Francisco Mendoza for his assistance to migrants.
On behalf of the honorees, Josefa Molina expressed the profound honor of receiving a people's highest recognition, stating that being from Gáldar means feeling part of a unique and moving place. The event featured a performance by Besay Pérez.
The 544th Main Festivals of Santiago are organized by the Culture and Festivals department of the Gáldar City Council. The full program of events is available on galdar.es and @ayuntamientodegaldar.
