Benalmádena announces its 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards: meet the ten honourees

Benalmádena will honour ten individuals and organisations on Sunday, November 8, for their contributions to the town and its community. The 2026 Benalmadense del Año (Citizen of the Year) Awards will return with a ceremony celebrating achievements in culture, education, tourism, sport, business and social welfare.

The event will take place at 12 noon at the Casa de la Cultura in Arroyo de la Miel, where nine awards will be presented to ten recipients. This is because one of the distinctions will be shared by two Local Police officers.

Among this year's honourees are football coach Juanfran Funes, singer-songwriter Ginés González, mental health charity Afesol and tourism entrepreneur Olga Hyrchenko, owner of Hotel Alay.

The ceremony will also include a posthumous tribute to Carmen Ramírez Rosales, a Spanish dance teacher who dedicated her career to the artistic education of generations of students in the municipality.

Through these awards, Benalmádena Town Council aims to recognise the people and organisations whose work has made a positive contribution to the local community.

Juanfran Funes recognised for his contribution to Málaga football

One of the best-known names among this year's recipients is football coach Juanfran Funes, who will receive the award in the sports category.

The Benalmádena resident will be honoured for his professional career and dedication to developing young footballers.

His work has been closely connected to football in Málaga, particularly youth development and helping promising players progress towards the professional game.

The town council has also highlighted his involvement in Málaga CF's sporting journey, which culminated in the club's promotion to Spain's top division.

The award recognises both his experience in football and his personal connection to Benalmádena.

It also places youth coaching and sporting development among the achievements being celebrated at this year's ceremony.

Ginés González to receive cultural award for his musical career

Music will be represented by Ginés González, a singer-songwriter recognised for his artistic career and his connection to Málaga's musical traditions.

Benalmádena Town Council will present him with the 2026 Citizen of the Year Award in the cultural category.

The distinction acknowledges his contribution to the music scene and his involvement in cultural expressions that form part of the municipality's identity.

Music is an important part of Málaga's cultural heritage, from traditional performances to contemporary work by local artists.

By recognising González, the council is highlighting those who help preserve and promote these traditions through their creative work.

Afesol honoured for supporting people affected by mental health conditions

The award for social contribution will go to Afesol, the Costa del Sol Association of Families and People Affected by Mental Illness.

The organisation provides support, guidance and inclusion services for people experiencing mental health difficulties and their families.

Its work addresses a range of needs relating to personal wellbeing, social support and participation in the community.

One of the areas highlighted by the town council is Afesol's commitment to social inclusion and access to employment, helping people develop greater independence and participate more fully in everyday life.

The award also recognises the importance of charitable organisations that complement existing services through advice, assistance and ongoing support.

Afesol's selection reflects the importance of community welfare within the municipality's annual awards.

Olga Hyrchenko, owner of Hotel Alay, recognised for her contribution to tourism

The tourism industry will be represented by Olga Hyrchenko, owner of Hotel Alay, an established hotel associated with Benalmádena's tourism sector.

The town council will recognise her business career and contribution to an industry that remains one of the municipality's main economic drivers.

Tourism has played a central role in Benalmádena's development for decades, particularly through its hotels, beaches, Puerto Marina and leisure attractions.

Against this background, the award highlights the role of tourism professionals and business owners in supporting local economic activity.

The distinction also acknowledges Hyrchenko's involvement in the municipality's social life.

Cath John honoured for bringing international communities together

Benalmádena's international population forms an important part of the town's identity and will receive special recognition at this year's ceremony.

The award in the international residents category will go to Cath John, president of the Costa del Sol Welsh Association.

The town council has highlighted her participation in cultural, social and charitable initiatives that encourage positive relationships between people of different nationalities.

Her work takes place in a municipality where Spanish and international residents live alongside one another, bringing different languages, traditions and experiences.

The award recognises those who promote integration and create opportunities for different communities to meet.

International residents' associations also contribute to Benalmádena's cultural and social life throughout the year.

Juan Manuel Ramos Borrego recognised for bringing science and astronomy into the classroom

In education, the award will go to Juan Manuel Ramos Borrego, a teacher at IES Al-Baytar.

He is being recognised for a teaching career characterised by his involvement in scientific initiatives and astronomy research projects developed with students.

The town council has highlighted his commitment to activities that go beyond conventional classroom teaching, allowing young people to explore science through practical experiences.

Astronomy combines knowledge of physics, mathematics and technology, making it a valuable subject for encouraging students' interest in scientific disciplines.

The award recognises Ramos Borrego's commitment to education and his efforts to involve pupils in research-based activities.

In doing so, the Citizen of the Year Awards also acknowledge the professionals contributing to the municipality's educational development.

Manuel Ocaña Porras honoured for his contribution to local business

The business award will be presented to Manuel Ocaña Porras, founder of Proyectos y Contratas Ocaña.

The distinction recognises his professional career and his connection to Benalmádena's economic and business activity.

Through this award, the town council aims to highlight individuals who have contributed to the growth of the local business sector over the course of their careers.

Business activity plays a fundamental role in the municipality's economy, both through employment opportunities and its connections with other industries.

The recognition of Ocaña Porras adds to the celebration of professionals who have contributed to Benalmádena's development in different ways.

Two Local Police officers recognised for more than 30 years of service

The public safety award will be shared by two officers from Benalmádena's Local Police.

The recipients are Eduardo Márquez Guerrero and Francisco Balbuena Palomo, both of whom have served for more than thirty years.

The town council has particularly highlighted their dedication to public service and their work supporting residents, especially in Arroyo de la Miel.

Throughout their careers, they have served a municipality that has experienced significant urban, demographic and social changes.

The award recognises their accumulated experience and continued commitment to public safety and community service.

As this is a joint award, both officers will receive the same distinction in the public safety category.

Benalmádena to pay posthumous tribute to dance teacher Carmen Ramírez Rosales

One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony will be the tribute to Carmen Ramírez Rosales, a Spanish dance teacher at the Benalmádena Municipal School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

The town council has decided to honour her posthumously for her dedication to artistic education and the promotion of Spanish dance.

Throughout her teaching career, she helped train generations of students who attended the municipal school.

Her work was closely connected to both the technical development of dance and the passing down of an artistic discipline deeply rooted in Spanish culture.

Through this tribute, Benalmádena will remember her role in local arts education and her contribution to preserving cultural traditions.

The distinction ensures that her legacy forms part of the municipality's 2026 awards.

When and where will the 2026 Benalmádena Citizen of the Year Awards take place?

The awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 12 noon, at the Casa de la Cultura in Arroyo de la Miel.

This municipal cultural venue regularly hosts exhibitions, performances, community events and activities connected with Benalmádena's social and cultural life.

During the ceremony, recipients will be recognised across the different award categories.

The official announcement confirms the date, time and location, although it does not specify whether tickets must be reserved or whether any particular admission requirements apply.

Anyone wishing to attend should check the town council's official channels for further information about the event.

Celebrating the people who help Benalmádena thrive

The Citizen of the Year Awards recognise individuals and organisations whose achievements in different fields have contributed to the municipality's recent history.

The 2026 edition brings together a wide range of recipients: a mental health charity, education professionals, representatives of the tourism and business sectors, musicians, public safety officers and a football coach.

It also includes a tribute to a teacher whose contribution to artistic education continues to be remembered.

This diversity reflects how a town's identity is shaped not only by its main economic industries but also by the social, cultural and educational initiatives developed by its residents.

The November 8 ceremony will bring together people and organisations with very different professional backgrounds but one common connection: their contribution to Benalmádena.

With nine awards recognising ten recipients, the 2026 Benalmadense del Año Awards will once again celebrate the individuals and organisations whose work helps shape the social, cultural and economic life of the municipality.