Agustín Muñoz, deputy mayor of Jerez, attended the traditional Berza de Navidad in Madrid, an event that brought together members of the Jerezanos de la Diáspora association to celebrate their heritage and traditions. This gathering marked the 50th anniversary of the association, which aims to maintain connections among Jerez natives living away from their hometown.
During the event, the association named Jerez's mayor, María José García-Pelayo, and the city itself as honorary members in recognition of its designation as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy. The mayor expressed her gratitude to the members for their commitment to promoting Jerez and its culinary traditions, highlighting their role as ambassadors for the city.
Prior to the Berza, a memorial Mass was held at the Church of Los Jesuitas to honour deceased members of the Jerezano diaspora. The association emphasised the importance of recognising Jerez as the Capital of Gastronomy in 2026, aiming to preserve local culinary traditions, enhance the gastronomic offer, and foster a sense of belonging and local pride. They also acknowledged gastronomy as a vital driver of economic value and job creation.
During the recent Feria del Caballo, García-Pelayo, along with local government officials, participated in a toast at the Municipal Templete to celebrate Jerez's gastronomic title, coinciding with the association's 50th anniversary. The Jerezanos de la Diáspora association was founded in 1975 by a group of Jerez natives living in Madrid, who sought to maintain their cultural identity despite the distance from their homeland. Over the years, the Berza de Navidad has evolved from a simple gathering into a significant event that embodies the spirit and shared memories of the Jerez community.
