The city of Granada kicked off the XXVII Elderly Gathering on Wednesday afternoon, one of the most anticipated events on the municipal calendar, with the traditional elder’s proclamation delivered this year by renowned gerontologist José Luis Cabezas.
Granada’s mayor, Marifrán Carazo, presided over the event, highlighting «the immense joy» it brings to the City Council to inaugurate a gathering «crafted with heart and dedicated to those who have done so much for Granada and our society.»
During her speech, the mayor emphasized the importance of this initiative as a gesture of gratitude towards the elderly in Granada. «This gathering is, above all, a display of affection, a public and sincere recognition of a generation that has passed on to us the most solid values, solidarity, dedication, joy, and the desire to continue participating in the life of our city,» stated Carazo.
The central figure of the event was the pregonero, José Luis Cabezas, whom the mayor described as «a national reference in the field of active aging and gerontology, and an example of commitment, knowledge, and love towards our elders.»
Carazo thanked Dr. Cabezas for his participation with words of admiration. «Thank you, dear José Luis, for agreeing to be our pregonero. It is an honor to have you with us. You are one of those people who know how to listen with the soul and speak from the heart.»
The mayor announced that in the coming weeks, the elderly in the city will enjoy a comprehensive program including workshops, excursions, concerts, dances, sports activities, and social gatherings.
«We want this gathering to be a space for friendship, reunions, and shared laughter. A place where you can continue to feel like active protagonists in community life,» she emphasized.
Furthermore, Marifrán Carazo reiterated the City Council’s commitment to active healthy aging policies, citizen participation, and combating unwanted loneliness, «we will continue to work with all our affection on programs that promote the physical and emotional health of our elders. We want Granada to remain a place of light, joy, and hope, where everyone, regardless of age, always has a place to live, share, and dream.»
NEW DANCES IN DISTRICTS
She also announced that starting in October, there will be dances for the elderly in the districts of Ronda, Chana, Beiro, and Norte every week. «These are one of the most demanded activities by the elderly community, and the City Council wanted to respond to this demand by launching this activity to bring it closer to all neighborhoods of the city.»