The Ayuntamiento de Tarazona has presented the 'Ciudad de Tarazona 2026' public recognition to Chús Ortega and Alfredo Val in a ceremony held at the town hall's plenary chamber. This award acknowledges their significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Aragonese jota, a traditional folk dance and music style, as well as the cultural heritage of the city.
During the event, Tarazona's mayor, Tono Jaray, emphasised the importance of jota as a cultural treasure. He stated, "Today we recognise the dedication of the two honourees over decades to the teaching and dissemination of jota, a work that has fostered community spirit and joy beyond mere singing and dancing. We honour two individuals who have helped preserve our culture. Thank you for being masters of jota and our tradition."
Jaray also highlighted the rich cultural and heritage landscape of Tarazona, attributing its evolution to the residents who continue to shape the city's identity. He remarked, "Tarazona is rich in heritage, traditions, culture, and, above all, people, because it is the people who make and continue to evolve our city and define what we will leave for future generations."
The mayor noted that traditions "endure beyond us" and that this recognition is not only a tribute to Ortega and Val's careers but also a collective expression of gratitude from the community for their dedication and passion, as well as for promoting Tarazona's name far and wide. He concluded his speech by congratulating the honourees on behalf of all the city's residents, stating, "Today the city gives back a little of all that you have done to make our city greater."
Ana Calvo, the councillor for culture, praised the contributions of both Ortega and Val to the jota tradition in Tarazona and Aragon. She remarked, "Jota is not just music, steps, or a song. It is memory, emotion, and identity; it is family and community. You have dedicated many years to ensuring that this memory does not fade." Calvo also acknowledged the many individuals who have passed through the municipal school, stating, "You have been fundamental to our jota, enabling grandparents, parents, grandchildren, and children to share a common passion."
Chús Ortega, speaking on behalf of herself and Alfredo Val, who was unable to attend due to personal reasons, expressed her gratitude for the recognition. She reflected, "I never imagined a professional life so rewarding from a city where I have always found support from all citizens and the municipal corporation, and whose name, Tarazona, I have had the honour of representing in various places across our region and even abroad." Ortega concluded her remarks with heartfelt words for Tarazona, saying, "A city I am proud of, to which I owe so much, and which I love dearly."
