Last Friday, July 31st, El Carrizal commenced its Festivities in Honor of Our Lady of Good Success, Saint Roch, and Saint Haragán. The inaugural event was the opening speech delivered by María Dolores «Loli» Ramírez Hernández, under the marquee at Parque del Buen Suceso. The event, hosted by Óliver Caballero, was attended by institutional representatives, community groups, and residents. The celebrations are organized by the Ingenio City Council, through the Department of Festivities, in collaboration with the Patronato Bicentenario de la Virgen Association, the Parish of Our Lady of Good Success, and numerous local collectives.
The mayor of Ingenio, Vanesa Martín, welcomed the festivities, describing them as «close, familiar, and endearing». She thanked the joint efforts of the Department of Festivities, the Patronato, municipal departments, associations, and volunteers. The mayor highlighted the pregonera as «a woman committed to our land, closely linked to the agricultural sector and also a reference in the sports field» whose effort, constancy, and humanity represent «an example» and recalled that «the true heritage of a town is its people».
Loli Ramírez shared her memories and the identity of El Carrizal, evoking the historical role of agriculture, livestock farming, and commerce. She recalled the dynamism of Sor Josefa Morales street as the main commercial hub and emphasized the solidarity and mutual support of the Carrizal citizenry, stating that «agriculture is culture».
The opening speech invited participation in all scheduled events, from children's activities to the romería, livestock fair, and processions, including the traditional August 15th soup. Ramírez called for celebrating with coexistence and respect to project a positive image of El Carrizal.
A notable moment was the congratulation to the Unión Carrizal Football Club, «the club of my soul», recalling her connection and the current work for the 75th anniversary. She also thanked the Patronato Bicentenario de la Virgen del Carrizal and the Department of Festivities for their annual efforts and the altruistic workers. The speech concluded with a message of unity and coexistence, inviting citizens to «respect and love each other».
Following the speech, Mayor Vanesa Martín, Department of Festivities councilor Rayco Padilla, and President of the Patronato Bicentenario de la Virgen, Pimpina Herrera, presented Loli Ramírez with gifts in appreciation.
