El Porriño experienced an emotional day as it commemorated the 50th anniversary of the return of architect Antonio Palacios' remains to his birthplace. The premiere of the documentary A Pontevedra de Antonio Palacios, directed by Aser Álvarez González, alongside a photographic exhibition detailing the return celebrated on 30 October 1976, served to recover the memory of this significant episode in the municipality's recent history and pay tribute to those who made it possible.
The event, organised by the Concello do Porriño, was a tribute not only to the architect but also to the civil society that mobilised half a century ago to fulfil his wish to rest in his homeland. Alejandro Lorenzo, the mayor, highlighted the collective significance of the initiative, which originated in the Círculo Recreativo Cultural, describing it as an example of pride, unity, and identity.
Thirty years after Palacios' death in Madrid, a revelation by Valentín Paz Andrade, a friend of the architect, that Palacios wished to be buried in El Porriño, sparked a community movement that ultimately realised this wish. The leadership of the Círculo Recreativo Cultural at the time, led by Raúl Francés, took the initiative, and with the support of the municipal government, then presided over by Manuel Valverde, they successfully arranged for the architect's remains to return to his hometown.
Although not all could attend, some key figures from that time were present, including Modesto Girández, Antonio Valverde Pampillón, Francisco Quintas Forte, and Julio Gómez. The mayor also remembered Eduardo Godoy and Luis Alonso, who travelled to Madrid to collect Palacios' remains in a hearse provided by Porfirio González Gradín. The exhibition's inauguration was attended by his children, Fernando Godoy, Susana Alonso, and Pili González.
On that day, 30 October 1976, Palacios' remains were received with a profound popular tribute and carried through the streets of El Porriño. Stonemasons, architects, members of the Círculo Recreativo Cultural, and numerous residents participated in a solemn and emotional farewell that left an indelible mark on the collective memory. The architect has rested since then in the municipal cemetery beneath a granite monument sourced from the Vila Fría quarries, with the simple inscription he desired: Antonio Palacios – Architect.
The celebration also served to publicly acknowledge the commitment of those who contributed to making the return possible. The Concello gathered members of the Círculo Recreativo Cultural's leadership and individuals connected to that episode for a meeting that allowed them to share memories and reaffirm the collective effort that facilitated the architect's return.
Tito Giráldez spoke to evoke those moments and provide his direct recollection of an initiative that transcended institutional boundaries to become a movement of the entire community. The exhibition stands as a graphic testament to that historic day and invites further exploration of a fundamental part of El Porriño's history. With this commemoration, the Concello reaffirms its commitment to preserving, studying, and disseminating the legacy of Antonio Palacios, an essential figure in Galician architecture and one of the most universal residents of the town.
Attendees included Anxo Lorenzo, the General Director of Culture, and Ana Ortiz, the delegate of the Xunta de Galicia.
Documentary premiere and tribute to Moncho Iglesias
The day began with the premiere of Aser Álvarez's documentary, an audiovisual piece that explores Palacios' architectural and urban legacy in the province of Pontevedra, recovering his figure through various voices and testimonies. The work also pays tribute to Xosé Ramón Iglesias Veiga, known as Moncho Iglesias, a historian and key figure in the study and dissemination of Palacios' work.
Mayor Alejandro Lorenzo expressed gratitude for the filmmaker's work and emphasised the importance of the film in preserving and transmitting this heritage to new generations. He recalled Moncho Iglesias' significant contributions to recovering the municipality's history and deepening the understanding of Palacios' legacy. As a gesture of recognition and affection, the Concello presented a bouquet of flowers to Moncho's widow, Marisa, in one of the day's most emotional moments.
The mayor also announced the municipal intention to perpetuate Moncho Iglesias' memory. “This is just the beginning,” Aser Álvarez remarked regarding the documentary, which received applause from the audience. “It is merely the first step in a broader outreach effort that I hope will expand significantly.” The goal is to continue documenting the life and work of Antonio Palacios, following previous works such as Antonio Palacios, el gallego que construyó Madrid (2007) and La arquitectura de Antonio Palacios (2003).
