Elche CF hosts a quiet, symbolic flower ceremony as season opens
Elche CF marked a traditional floral gesture on a Wednesday that signaled the start of a new season. With the league kicking off and the squad still taking shape, the event arrived later than usual, as the transfer window closed on September 1. The ceremony aimed to honor the city’s patron saint and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, weaving local tradition into football’s modern tempo.
The gathering brought together the first-team roster, coaching staff, and key club figures. Coach Sebastian Beccace arrived alongside the team staff, and the head of the Franciverde unit, Joaquin Buitrago, was present with other executives and representatives from affiliated groups, youth teams, the women’s side, and Elche Original. The event also drew the mayor of the city, Pablo Ruz, and a broad cross-section of club employees.
Fans laid bouquets at the feet of leadership figures and staff, including the president of the Peñas Federation, David Aranda, and the Grada de Animación 1923 supporters. The emotion in the stadium underscored the close ties between the club, its supporters, and the city’s cultural traditions.
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During a public address, J.A. Galvan spoke on behalf of the club, acknowledging the recent changes and the ongoing transfer activity. Unlike the previous year, some attendees were unable to participate in the flower ceremony as strategic moves in player recruitment progressed. The owner communicated that several decisions were made in alignment with the club’s broader objectives.
As part of the summer’s routine, the technical secretary, Sergio Mantecon, was not present due to a short rest period after a demanding pre-season, while two other members of the sports commission, Mauro Óbolo and Antonio Barragán, attended the event. Before presenting the parish priest’s commission, President Joaquín Buitrago spoke about the club’s connection with its leadership, stressing the excitement and passion felt across the organization and among the fans.
Buitrago thanked Mare de Déu for last season’s resilience and emphasized the wish for health and strength for players, staff, and supporters. He highlighted the club’s substantial fan base, noting 19,000 season-ticket holders and more than 13,000 attendees at the recent match against Racing de Ferrol, despite challenging weather conditions. He expressed gratitude for the stadium crowd and their unwavering support.
In outlining the season’s objectives, the chairman underscored that the owners’ backing and the fans’ encouragement would be central to returning to the Premier League. He added that the technical staff and players would give their utmost to achieve that goal. He also paid respect to the supporters who have stood by the team and reaffirmed the club’s shared responsibilities with its fanbase. The message emphasized collective effort and resilience in facing upcoming challenges.
Buitrago closed with reflections on the Virgin Mary’s enduring value to the club and its supporters. He reminded everyone that faith and communal spirit must translate into tangible effort, energy, and perseverance as the season began. The leadership stressed that high hopes accompany the start of the campaign, with a renewed commitment to work through any difficulties and to celebrate together when success comes.