Marbella pays tribute to the Romani people with a monolith in Antonio Montero Sánchez Park

Today, the Marbella City Council paid tribute to the Roma community with the unveiling of a monolith in Antonio Montero Sánchez Park, coinciding with the 600th anniversary of their documented arrival on the Iberian Peninsula. The event was attended by the mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, members of the city council, and representatives of Roma associations and families from the city.

The mayor emphasized that "with this initiative, we reaffirm a commitment, celebrate a history, and honor a community that is part of the living essence of Marbella and Andalusia" and highlighted "their decisive contribution to the cultural, artistic, and social wealth of our municipality and our country," while also recalling that the council unanimously approved declaring 2025 as the Year of Tribute to the Roma People.

"This symbol will always remain in this public space, reminding future generations that the Roma community is a fundamental part of our identity and coexistence"

Ángeles Muñoz

Mayor of Marbella

"This symbol will always remain in this public space, reminding future generations that the Roma community is a fundamental part of our identity and coexistence," stated the mayor, who also valued the role they play today "with teachers, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and professionals who are an active part of our social and economic fabric, demonstrating that equal opportunities are a driving force for progress." She also made a special recognition of Roma women and children, "true pillars of the present and future."

A Symbol for Future Generations

The event also featured a speech by Andrés Moreno Utrera 'Santi', representative of the Asueti Calli association, who thanked the City Council "for the opportunity and the courage to publicly recognize a people who have been part of the history of Spain for six centuries."

"Today we are recognized with a monolith that will be a symbol our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can see, and it will always remind them that there are Roma who love this city," Moreno Utrera remarked. Finally, he highlighted "our essential contribution to flamenco, culture, and the character of Andalusia." The event concluded with the performance of the Roma anthem, 'Gelem, Gelem,' as a symbol of unity, memory, and shared identity.