The Minister for Educational Development and Vocational Training, Maria del Carmen Castillo, chaired the ceremony for the presentation of the Flags of Andalusia, which was held at the Cultural Space “Gabriel Antonio Morales de Mata” in Benahadux on the occasion of the 28-F celebrations. In addition to the delegate of the Government of the Junta in Almería, Aránzazu Martín, the mayor of the town, Noelia Damián, as well as the territorial delegates and other authorities, participated in the ceremony.
In her speech, the councillor congratulated the award winners “because you are the driving force behind the values of Andalusia, an example of the present and a preview of the future that bears the weight of a rich tradition such as that of Andalusia, where talent and character come together to create a unique landscape: the Andalusian soul”.
In this regard, Castillo stressed that the winners represent various fields of activity and that their initiatives enrich our autonomous community, «while placing Almería in the spotlight of all of Andalusia.»
Castillo also pointed out that education plays a fundamental role in the transmission of “our Andalusian values and identity”, which can be seen in the career of each of the people who make up the projects that receive this recognition. “Part of your success is linked to the training you received. An education that, in addition to providing knowledge, also shaped your principles and inspired you to achieve your goals,” he said.
The Government delegate congratulated all the award winners on behalf of the Andalusian Government and thanked them for “their contribution to our community”, stressing that “their work inspires us and reminds us that, together, we can build a better future for Andalusia”. She also pointed out during her speech that this event commemorates “the day when Andalusia reaffirmed its identity, its right to autonomy and to be the protagonist of its own destiny, within the rest of Spain and on an equal footing with the rest of the autonomous regions”.
In the words of Aránzazu Martín, it is also “a day on which we reaffirm our commitment to Spain, to the Spanish Constitution and to the State of Autonomies, the framework in which Andalusia exercises its right to autonomy and contributes to the construction of a more prosperous and cohesive country, Spain” and on which “we reflect on the achievements made, but also look forward with determination and ambition”.
The delegate also indicated that for those who have the responsibility of serving Andalusia from the Junta, their priority is to «continue building, on the solid foundations of a strong and cohesive community, a future in which employment is a reality for all, political tranquility is an unshakeable pillar and legal guarantees for investors are a clear sign that Andalusia is open to progress and growth.»
“Our commitment is to make Andalusia a place where work, stability and opportunities are the driving force of progress that benefits everyone,” stressed Martín Moya, who outlined some examples of the “firm commitment of the Andalusian Government to the progress and well-being of the province of Almería.”
These include the Mojácar and Piedras Redondas Health Centres, the start of the Ejido Nordeste and Benahadux Centres, 15 million euros for the Puerto-Ciudad project, the project to continue the Almanzora Motorway between Olula del Río and Fines, works in the ports of Roquetas de Mar and Carboneras, as well as an investment of 5.5 million euros in the renewal of the A-92 road surface.
The new Specific Centre for Special Education in Las Norias and the new Institute in Huércal de Almería have also been inaugurated, work has begun on the IES Turaniana in Roquetas de Mar, the IES Las Salinas and the tendering of the IES Las Marinas. The new institute in Almerimar has been tendered and improvements to educational centres worth more than 20 million euros have been approved.
A call for aid has been launched for the construction of regulation ponds for irrigation communities, allowing them to store water in times of scarcity, aid for young farmers and ranchers with an investment of 130 million euros, work has begun on the Boticario Park, cleaning and sealing of uncontrolled landfills, the first phase of rehabilitation of the Vélez-Blanco Castle and work is already underway on the tendering of the second phase for the restoration of its courtyard of honour. In addition, the conservation works on the southern wall of the Alcazaba of Almería are about to be completed, as well as the improvement of the supply network of the monumental complex.
“These achievements demonstrate the firm commitment of the Junta de Andalucía to the progress and well-being of the province of Almería, advancing in health, infrastructure, education, agriculture, sustainability and culture with investments and projects that consolidate a present of tangible improvements and lay the foundations for an even more prosperous future,” concluded Aránzazu Martín.
For her part, Noelia Damián said that “today is a day of pride for Benahadux. We feel deeply honoured that the Andalusian Government has chosen our municipality and this new stage to commemorate Andalusia Day and celebrate the presentation of its Flags.”
“Today, in Benahadux,” said the mayor, “we celebrate this Andalusian spirit with more pride than ever. Hosting this significant event is a recognition of our municipality, its growth, its people, and the commitment we have to our land. It is also a great opportunity to show that Benahadux, like Andalusia, is a territory full of talent, work and hope.”
2025 Awards
Flag of the Social Sciences and Letters. The Voice of Almería
The flag of Andalusia in the category of Social Sciences and Letters has been awarded to the leading newspaper of the Almería press: La Voz de Almería, which celebrates 85 years with the maximum of rigor, veracity and information. With an impeccable trajectory, it has been characterized by being an example of free and independent press and an example of local journalism where the interests of the residents and municipalities prevail.
Flag of Andalusia of the Arts. Pedro Mena Children’s Choir
The Pedro Mena Children’s Choir has been awarded for its dedication, perseverance, effort and discipline that favour the development of skills that allow them to perform technically complex works for students of an early age, helping to improve absenteeism and school failure. The Choir responds to an educational project that was born in the CEIP Pedro Mena de Adra and in its more than 10 years of existence they have collaborated in concerts with various orchestras, have performed in numerous Spanish cities, participated in festivals in Prague and Vienna and on 2 occasions have won the Second National Prize for school choirs in Madrid.
Flag of Andalusian Sport. XV Mediterranean Games. Almería 2005
Due to its importance in the history of Andalusian sport and its contribution to the development of Almería and the entire community, the Andalusian Government has awarded the Andalusian Flag of Sport to the XV Mediterranean Games Almería 2005 on its 20th anniversary, in recognition of its legacy and of all those who made this unforgettable milestone possible. It was a historic event that transcended sporting matters to become a symbol of unity, effort and organisational capacity. Under the motto “Together We Can”, the Games not only strengthened the sporting spirit, but were also a model of collaboration between administrations, companies and civil society.
Flag of Andalusia of Solidarity and Harmony. La Milagrosa soup kitchen
This soup kitchen is a benchmark in Almería, a space that always has its doors open to those who need it most. Since the 1980s, the La Milagrosa soup kitchen has been preparing menus every day so that anyone can have a plate of food on the table. This centre went through very difficult times during the pandemic, when the number of users multiplied, but the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul who run this soup kitchen did not give up on their efforts to help and collaborate and nothing has stopped them. For their boundless dedication, their commitment and their solidarity with those who need it most, the Andalusian Government will present the flag of Solidarity and Concord to the La Milagrosa Soup Kitchen.
Flag of Andalusia of the Economy and Business. Candelaria Susana Peralta Lirola. «Susana Lirola»
Talking about fashion in Almería means talking about Susana Lirola. Entrepreneur, fighter and teacher of new generations, she is a reference for the sector. She has been the first female president of a tailors’ guild, directing this guild in Almería for 5 years. Her designs are an example of her personality: avant-garde, innovative and creative, but always looking towards sustainability.
Flag of Andalusia for Science and Health. Antonia Garrido Frenich
Antonia Garrido Frenich, professor of analytical chemistry, is ranked in the top 2% of the world’s best researchers by Stanford University. She carries out her research activity in food and environmental safety, transferring her results to companies and administrations, contributing to job creation and the development and well-being of society in general. She has published more than 380 articles in the best scientific journals in the world, with an H index of 54, and has directed dozens of doctoral theses.
Flag of Andalusia for the Projection of the Province. Museum of Contemporary Spanish Realism (MUREC)
The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Realism has not only been a decisive commitment to culture, but has also become a national and international reference in the artistic field, projecting the image of Almería and Andalusia beyond our borders. Located in the former Hospital of Santa María Magdalena, the only civil building from the 16th century preserved in the city and a Site of Cultural Interest, the MUREC is the result of the ambitious heritage recovery work undertaken by the Provincial Council of Almería. With more than 3,000 square meters, the museum houses the first and only permanent collection dedicated to contemporary Spanish realism, with nearly 300 works by prominent artists of this movement.
Andalusian flag for environmental merit. Agrobío, SL
The use of auxiliary insects for pollination and biological control of pests and diseases has been one of the most important milestones in the success story of Almería agriculture. The replacement of phytosanitary products with insects that pollinate flowers and prey on other insects that can become crop pests has directly benefited the health of farmers, workers and consumers. But it has also had obvious positive effects on the environment, by reducing the risk of contamination of groundwater, the sea, or protected natural areas. Agrobío, with its 30 years of experience, has been a pioneer and a benchmark in this leap in environmental quality of Almería agriculture and has demonstrated with its work that environmental and economic sustainability can go hand in hand.
Flags of Andalusia to Human Values. Javier Peña Occupational Center. Schooling Project for deaf students of the CEEE Rosa Relaño
The Javier Peña occupational centre, which serves a total of 70 people with intellectual disabilities, is the only centre of its kind in the entire Autonomous Community. It has more than 45 years of experience in the field of disability. In addition to serving them, the centre provides them with the opportunity to participate in numerous activities, carrying out work, and labour integration in the various workshops it offers, highlighting the premature ageing workshop, which prepares and accompanies users and families in the transition through the different stages.
The Schooling Project for deaf students at CEEE Rosa Relaño is based on the need for students with hearing disabilities to be educated in a more inclusive way. With this combined schooling project, the students of CEEECApoyo I.Sordos Rosa Relaño become a fundamental part of the classrooms at CEIP Freinet, completing their education in a regular centre and preparing for the transition to a regular group modality when they move on to IES Azcona. In this way, inclusion is achieved in both directions, since the students of CEIP Freinet centres are part of their class. The Coordination of both management teams comes together in a single team that favours the real inclusion and normalisation of students with special educational needs in regular educational centres.
Flag of Andalusia in recognition of the Special Career. María del Mar Agüero Ruano
María del Mar Agüero Ruano is a true politician who has been able to defend with determination the principles of her training in the different areas in which she has worked. Her commitment to democracy, her dedication to society and her role in consolidating the female presence in Andalusian politics make her worthy of the Andalusian Flag of Recognition for her Special Career.
This distinction represents a well-deserved tribute to a life dedicated to public service and the progress of Almería, Andalusia and Spain.