Huercal Overa celebrates its local heroes

SEVERAL residents and bodies in Huercal Overa will be recognised in a ceremony to be held on March 3 presided over by the town mayor, Domingo Fernandez.

The lucky award recipients were agreed in a plenary session held at the town hall. The day of the presentation, March 3, is an important one in the town’s diary and is named, simply, Dia de Villazgo.

In total, four awards will be handed out. The title of Favourite Daughter will be awarded to Carmen Pinteño. Considered one of Almeria’s most important painters of the 20^th century, her work continues the Indaliano movement made famous by Jesus de Perceval and Benjamin Palencia.

The Cooperativo Agrolevante is being rewarded for its work on behalf of Huercalense agriculture. The cooperative was borne from the union of citrus producers located in the town, who pooled their efforts to join other producers, adding quality and value.

Almost 200 people work for the cooperative in seasonal periods and the aim is increase production, ensure quality and provide employment.

An Honourable Mention will be given to Encarna Lorenzo, which has been key in preserving the traditional crafts of Huercal Overa, in its case with bobbin lace. It has worked in cooperation with La Cuna del Bun, an association through which many local women are learning to make lace with traditional methods. These women travel the country, attending lace seminars and promoting Huercal Overa at every opportunity.

A final honourable mention will be issued posthumously to Juan Fernandez Serrano, a butcher who passed away on November 22 2014. Serrano was instrumental in promoting Huercal Overa’s jamon across Spain.

To accompany the Dia de Villazgo, Huercal Overa will be hosting a medieval market and an outdoor painting exhibition.