The Sevillian municipality of Los Palacios and Villafranca will pay tribute to its two world champions, Gavi and Fabián Ruiz, with the traditional weighing in tomatoes. The celebration will take place next week following the conquest of the second star for the Spanish national team.
The Spanish national team now has its second star, and in Los Palacios and Villafranca, they are celebrating doubly. The municipality, with just over 39,000 inhabitants, is the birthplace of Gavi and Fabián Ruiz, two of the pillars of La Roja, who triumphed 1-0 against Argentina in the final of the 2026 World Cup. Ferran Torres' goal in extra time unleashed madness in the streets of Los Palacios, which are now preparing for a historic welcome.
A Weight in Tomatoes for the Heroes
The City Council of Los Palacios and Villafranca has confirmed that next week a large event will be held to honour its two footballers. As was the case after winning the Euro Cup, the champions will receive their own weight in tomatoes, a nod to the strong agricultural tradition of the locality. This initiative, which has become a hallmark, aims to recognise the bond of Gavi and Fabián with their roots.
The mayor, Juan Manuel Valle, has stated that the whole town is involved: “
It is a pride to have two world champions who never forget where they come from. We are going to give them an unforgettable welcome.” The exact date of the tribute will be announced in the coming days, but it is expected to coincide with the players' return home after their time with the national team.
Local Pride and Tradition
Los Palacios already celebrated the Euro Cup of 2024, but the World Cup has a special flavour. Gavi, a midfielder for Barcelona, and Fabián Ruiz, from Paris Saint-Germain, have been key pieces in Luis de la Fuente's scheme. In the final, both played over 90 minutes and contributed to maintaining balance against an Argentina that sought the equaliser until the end.
The tradition of weighing in tomatoes is not new: it dates back decades, when local farmers would weigh the most illustrious neighbours with the star fruit of the garden. Now, with the media appeal of the footballers, the event promises to attract thousands of people. The City Council is finalising preparations to ensure that the celebration is safe and orderly, with traffic cuts in the centre and giant screens for those who cannot get close to the main stage.
For the locals, seeing two of their own lifting the World Cup is a dream come true. “
They are the example that from a small town, you can also reach the highest,” comments María José, a resident who followed the final in the town hall square. The excitement is palpable on every corner, and local businesses have already hung up Spanish flags and congratulatory posters.
The tribute will not only be a recognition but also a tourist boost for the locality. Los Palacios expects to receive visitors from all over the province during the celebration weekend. Hotels and restaurants are already reporting an increase in bookings, and the hospitality sector is preparing for a record day.
Meanwhile, the local fans continue to celebrate in the streets. On Sunday night, after the final whistle, hundreds of people gathered in the town square with flags, flares, and chants. The party lasted until the early hours, with no significant incidents, according to local police sources.
With this victory, Spain adds its second World Cup after the one in 2010 in South Africa. For Gavi and Fabián, the title marks the culmination of a brilliant season, and for Los Palacios, it confirms that football can unite an entire town. Next week, the tomatoes will be the stars of a story that is already legendary.
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