European Day honours Los Costeleros’ founder

EUROPEAN DAY, Sunday May 9, 2010 was a very special day for members of Torrevieja’s International Cofradia, ‘Los Costaleros’.

As Councillor for Foreigners and New Technology, Pedro Valero presented their President Jesus Sanchez with the Escudo De Oro Dia de Europe, the Gold Star of Europe, in recognition for his efforts to help integration between the Spanish and International community in the city.

Back in 2003, Jesus approached the Director of the Foreign Residents Office, Mr.  Graham Knight and put forward an idea to form the first International, non-Spanish Paso, to participate in the Semana Santa Celebrations each Easter. This became ‘Los Costaleros’, who carry the Paso of Jesus praying in the Garden of Olives. Mr. Knight, who is also the Godfather of the Paso, organised the activities for European Day, which was blessed with fabulous sunny weather (he did not claim responsibility for that) and included Savillenas dancing from British and France groups.

In honour of the occasion, there were speeches in Spanish from Pedro Valero, German from Monica plus English and Spanish, from Newspaper Editor, Aoife Leddy. At noon, Councillor for Foreign Residents and New Technology, Pedro Valero Mazon raised the Flag of the European Union accompanied by music from one of the town’s bands, Union Musical Torrevejanse who played the European Union, Spanish, Valencian and Torrevieja anthems.

Keith Nicol

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