The municipality of Benalmádena will recognise ten individuals and organisations at the 2026 Benalmadense Awards on Sunday, 8 November. The ceremony will be held at 12:00 in the Casa de la Cultura in Arroyo de la Miel.
The awards aim to honour various contributions to the social, cultural, educational, sports, and business life of the municipality, including a posthumous recognition.
This year, nine awards will be presented to individuals and organisations linked to Benalmádena for their achievements across different sectors.
Awards and recipients
Among the recipients, the following recognitions will be made:
- Social sector: The Association of Families and People with Mental Illness of the Costa del Sol (AFESOL) for their work in social inclusion and support for individuals with mental health issues and their families.
- Tourism: Olga Hyrchenko, owner of Hotel Alay, for her contributions to tourism and social activities in the area.
- Foreign residents: Cath John, president of the Welsh Association of the Costa del Sol, for her efforts in promoting intercultural coexistence and participation in cultural and charitable activities.
- Education: Juan Manuel Ramos Borrego, a teacher at IES Al-Baytar, for his dedication to education and involvement in scientific and astronomical research projects with students.
- Culture: Singer-songwriter Ginés González, for his musical career and connection to the cultural traditions of Benalmádena and Málaga.
- Business: Manuel Ocaña Porras, founder of Proyectos y Contratas Ocaña, for his professional achievements and contributions to the local economy.
- Public safety: Local police officers Eduardo Márquez Guerrero and Francisco Balbuena Palomo, both with over thirty years of service, for their commitment to community service, especially in Arroyo de la Miel.
- Sports: Juanfran Funes, a football coach and resident of Benalmádena, for his dedication to training young footballers and his achievements in Málaga's sports scene, including leading Málaga CF to the top division.
- Posthumous recognition: Carmen Ramírez Rosales, a Spanish dance teacher at the Municipal School of Music, Dance, and Theatre of Benalmádena, for her lifelong dedication to teaching and promoting dance, impacting generations of students.
The ceremony will celebrate the personal and professional journeys of the awardees and their contributions to the social and cultural fabric of Benalmádena.
