The celebration of the Cordobán Awards 2026, held at the Hotel Urpí in Sabadell on Saturday, January 24, served to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Andalusian Association of San Sebastián de los Ballesteros. The event began with a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the Adamuz accident and the rail disaster in Gelida.
“"This year we celebrate fifty years. We were born in 1976 thanks to a group of compatriots who wanted to reunite, share culture, and open these traditions to the entire city of Sabadell. We have always valued what unites us much more than what might separate us. Coexistence and respect are our reason for being."
The association's president, Joaquín Lesmes, recalled the entity's origins and granted special recognition to the cleaning service SMATSA, which also celebrates 50 years, collected by Eugenio Díaz. The delegate of the Junta de Andalucía in Catalonia, Concepció Veray, highlighted that “being Andalusian is a feeling, values, a way of life” and encouraged strengthening the ties between Andalusia and Catalonia.
The Mayor of San Sebastián de los Ballesteros, Francisco Javier Maestre, emphasized the association's role as a meeting point for many Andalusians who arrived in Sabadell seeking a better future. Maestre announced a cultural exchange initiative for the anniversary. The Mayor of Sabadell, Marta Farrés, concluded the speeches, stressing that the city “cannot be understood today without the Andalusian Association of San Sebastián de los Ballesteros”.
“"Fifty years mean many things done well, a lot of work, and many people behind it. You are a fundamental part of the city; you have earned a place in the hearts of the people."
The event concluded with the presentation of the Cordobán Awards, which recognized the dedication of Manuel Ballesteros and Conchi Herruzo Castelo as a partner couple, the former mayor of San Sebastián de los Ballesteros, Manuel Pino Luna, and Rafael Aparicio, representing the Ramar Study Center.
