Every year on May 30th, the city of Seville celebrates the feast of its patron saint, San Fernando, with an award ceremony. These medals acknowledge the entrepreneurial spirit, social commitment, and achievements of certain residents and organizations. On Friday, Seville's mayor, José Luis Sanz, proudly declared the city as the "great capital of southern Europe," emphasizing its noteworthy advancements in research and technological innovation, which often go unnoticed, even by its own citizens.

"We hardly boast about having Spain's highest-grossing business park, with a turnover of 4.85 billion euros, where a thousand R&D projects are currently underway. Just a 15-minute walk from Europe's largest historic center, we have a unique innovation ecosystem," stated the mayor. He highlighted cutting-edge research in fields such as biomedicine, DNA sequencing, and chip reading technologies utilized by the Pentagon. He also noted Seville's leadership in job creation, GDP, and the number of businesses compared to the rest of the region. "I say this without arrogance or triumphalism: we are the great capital of southern Europe. Few cities in southern Europe combine the historical legacy, cultural prominence, and technological and industrial development that we have in Seville." Nevertheless, Sanz acknowledged complex issues like housing access that need to be addressed.

The ceremony, hosted by comedian Manu Sánchez, honored 30 individuals and institutions prominent in the socio-economic sphere of the city. Among the awardees was Radio Sevilla, part of the Cadena Ser network, recognized for its century-long communication efforts. The award was received by its director, Antonio Yélamo, following an eloquent introduction by the presenter lauding the power of radio and the influence of the honored station.

Sevilla Fútbol Club's Jesús Navas, acknowledged for his sports career, received one of the ceremony's most enthusiastic ovations. Earlier, Pastora Soler, also awarded for her musical career, had the audience of the Palace of Exhibitions and Congresses on their feet after performing Manuel Alejandro's "Sevilla," accompanied by the Municipal Symphonic Band of Seville.

The medals also posthumously recognized Ramón Ybarra Valdenegro, a distinguished businessman who passed away in March 2024 at the age of 59, as an honorary son, and Carlos Herrera, a communicator, as an adopted son, who delivered the gratitude speech on behalf of the other awardees.

List of Awardees

Gold Medal for Seville's Projection:

Alfredo Sánchez Monteseirín, former mayor of the city from 1999 to 2011.

Medal for Professional Achievement:

Rafael Juliá García, businessman in the hospitality sector.
Casa Morales, iconic Sevilla establishment.
Ana Llopis, president of Llopis Environmental Services-Group Llopis and former Andalusian parliamentarian.
Fernández y Roche, artisan hat company.
Francisco Herrero León, president of the Seville Chamber of Commerce.

Medal for Cultural and Artistic Contribution:

José Víctor Rodríguez Caro and José Luis Medina del Corral, founders of Victorio & Lucchino fashion brand.
Museum of Fine Arts of Seville, for its promotion of art.
Mercedes Rodríguez Gamero "Merche Esmeralda" and Pilar Sánchez Luque "Pastora Soler," for their artistic careers.

Medal for Economic Impulse:

Caja Rural, for its contribution to local economic development.

Medal for Heritage Promotion:

Ignacio Medina y Fernández de Córdoba, Duke of Segorbe.

Medal for Sports Merit:

Jesús Navas, former Sevilla FC player, retired in December 2024.

Medal for Solidarity and Equality Efforts:

Séfora Vargas Martín, defender of Roma people's rights.

Medal for Tradition Promotion:

Francisco Vélez de Luna, president of the Council of Brotherhoods and Cofradías of Seville.
Brotherhood of La Misión and Brotherhood of the Museum.

Medal in Science and Health:

Dr. Salvador Morales, head of General and Digestive Surgery at Quirónsalud Sagrado Corazón and Virgen Macarena hospitals.
Embryocenter Clinic, specialized in assisted fertility.

Recognition for Social Work

This edition also awards individuals and entities for their significant contributions to the city's social fabric:
Adhara HIV/AIDS Association.
Pulseras Rosas Association.
Rosa Ciriquián Costi.
Maruja Vilches Trujillo.
Antonio Ríos Ramos.
Community General of Owners and Residents of Pino Montano.
Ignacio Sánchez "El Indio de Astilleros," historic union leader, posthumously.

Medal for Cultural Integration:

Casa de Extremadura in Seville.

Medal for Educational Efforts:

Teresian Institution of Seville.
IES Politécnico.

Medal for Communication:

Radio Sevilla – Cadena SER, in recognition of its centenary.