Shortlist of 19 winners
In a night that celebrated Andalusian culture, the region honored distinguished figures across arts, science, business, and civic life. The event highlighted a veteran singer from Almería who has spent two decades on stage, alongside a celebrated Jerez artist who marked a centennial milestone in his career. The occasion served as a formal presentation of accolades that recognize longstanding contributions to Andalusian society.
The singer, who rose to prominence after participating in the first edition of Operación Triunfo, has been praised as a leading representative of Andalusia on the world stage, with a career enriched by more than 80 awards.
The Andalusian Government emphasized that her art transcends borders. Lola Flores, a unique figure from Jerez who celebrated her first centennial, left a legacy that resonates in Andalusia today. Her bold stance on topics once considered taboo is remembered as a symbol of cultural courage. The government spokesperson noted that Flores remains a living presence in the region, even after three decades since her passing.
The Manuel Clavero Arévalo Medal will be shared by two women, with Mercedes Moll de Miguel receiving the award. Moll is a businesswoman and former Granada deputy who participated in the making of Spain’s 1978 Constitution. She has held a range of influential positions within Andalusia, contributing to the region’s economic and civic development. Her work on constitutional matters and regional progress is widely recognized.
The government will also acknowledge Pilar Tavora for her extraordinary career in audiovisual and theatre production. Tavora is celebrated as a feminist, Andalusian director who has helped preserve her father Salvador Tavora’s legacy. As a director, producer and screenwriter, she was among the first women to establish her own production company. Tavora has remained active in the cultural sphere while engaging in regional political life as a member of the Andalusian Party and subsequently a member of Adelante Andalucía, a coalition that includes Teresa Rodríguez’s group.
Shortlist of 19 winners
In social sciences and literature, Jose Maria Segovia Azcárate, president of Real Sociedad Colombina Onubense, is recognized for decades of involvement with multiple media initiatives and cultural projects. The awarding body also honors Pablo de Olavide University for its 25-year history, a campus that educates thousands of students each year across several programs.
Juan Valdés, renowned for his figurative painting connected to flamenco, bullfighting, carnival imagery, and portraits of notable figures, is acknowledged alongside Julio Pardo, who will receive the Andalusian Art Medal for his contributions to carnival art. Pardo has earned multiple carnival titles since the 1980s, while the Los Martínez choir recently won an official Falla competition.
The Andalusian Sports Medal goes to a foundation linked to Unicaja, following Malaga’s basketball club victory in the King’s Cup and the Royal Mediterranean Maritime Club of Malaga. The foundation celebrates a long history in rowing, sailing, and swimming, reflecting the region’s multi-sport heritage.
A dedicated Police Unit, established in 1993, is recognized with the Humanitarian Values Medal for its cyber security efforts and its work to protect minors, the environment, and forested areas. The award highlights ongoing commitment to public safety and resilience in the community.
The Solidarity and Harmony Medal goes to Candido Nogales School in Jaén for its commitment to comprehensive education and the inclusion of students with disabilities. The award underscores the school’s role in shaping a more inclusive society.
businessmen
The MAS Group, a Seville-born family business, is honored for its growth from a local start-up to a diversified enterprise spanning food retail and hospitality. Managed by Vicente Martín, the company exemplifies regional entrepreneurship and sustained family leadership.
Silvia Pelaez, a Jaén-based businesswoman who leads Quesos y Besos, receives recognition after gaining the World Cheese Award for Olavidia as the world’s best cheese. Her achievement highlights regional food innovation on an international stage.
The Andalusian University Institute of Geophysics and Prevention of Seismic Disasters, part of the University of Granada, is acknowledged for its research excellence in earth science and public health. Ramiro Rivera Lopez, a cardiovascular surgeon and honorary academic of the Royal Academy of Medicine and Surgery of Seville, is noted for his contributions to medicine.
Manuel Contreras Ramos, honorary president of the Azvi Group, receives the Andalusian Projection Medal. Born in 1941, he leads a multinational construction firm with a vast global footprint and thousands of employees, contributing to infrastructure and development projects around the world.
The Andalusian Projection category also honors the Sevillian band Siempre Así, formed in 1991 by a group of friends and musicians, along with bullfighter Manuel Benítez El Cordobés. The latter’s recognition comes on the heels of reconciliation with his son Manuel Díaz, in a moment that also drew the attention of the regional leadership. The event reinforces the rich tradition of Andalusia in music, culture, and sport.
Maria Angeles Cayuela will receive the Medal of Environmental Merit together with the president of the Andalusian Women’s Association in the Fishing Sector. Maria Sanchez Rodriguez, a Cordovan veterinarian and poet who works with endangered native species, advocates sustainable grazing and responsible livestock practices.