The mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, has presided over the inauguration of the Centenary Park of Bellavista, a space he has defined as a tribute to the roots and history of the neighbourhood. The mayor has acknowledged the residents and entities that have made the development of the area possible in its first century of existence.
The mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, presided over the inauguration of the Centenary Park of Bellavista this Friday, a space located next to the Real Venta de Antequera. During his speech, Sanz emphasised the role of the residents in the construction of the neighbourhood and stated that the unveiled plaque is insufficient to list all the names that should appear on it.
"We have fallen short, because this plaque should have been larger to accommodate all the names of residents, entities, associations, and brotherhoods who are the true architects of this neighbourhood reaching a hundred years as a reference and an example in the city of Seville," declared the mayor.
Sanz recalled the difficult origins of Bellavista, when the first residents encountered "fields, mud, and the urgent need to build a home with their own hands." In this regard, he stressed that "nothing that Bellavista possesses today has been given to it," but is the result of social mobilization and community solidarity.
"Nothing that Bellavista possesses today has been given to it. Everything has been the mature fruit of social mobilization, community solidarity, and a just demand from public administrations."
The mayor expressed his recognition for Hugo Montalbán, president of the LIMAM Association, for promoting the initiative to name the park, and for Joaquín Nieto, president of the Cultural Association Centenary of Bellavista, whom he described as "the great chronicler of this anniversary."
He also mentioned historical entities such as the Unity Neighbours Association and the Neighbours Coordinator, the first association in the neighbourhood and a key player in securing basic services like water, paving, schools, and healthcare. Alongside them, he cited the Jardines de Atenea Neighbours Association, the Women of Bellavista Association, the Bellavista Sports Union, Payasos Crouss, and CYMBEL, as well as figures like Pepe Moreno, artist Domingo Martínez, the Flamenco Peña La Fragua, and the Brotherhood of the Sweet Name of Mary.
"All this love for a neighbourhood is inherited at home, but it is entities like the ones I have mentioned that keep it alive in the collective memory."
The event also highlighted the participation of students and teachers from IES Bellavista, CEIP Lora Tamayo, and the Manuel Prada Rico Senior Centre in the Centenary activities, which have connected different generations of the neighbourhood.
"Bellavista is no longer just another neighbourhood in Seville: Bellavista is now the grand gateway to the south of our capital and one of the neighbourhoods with the greatest potential in the entire city."
The inauguration of the park coincides with the celebration of the Velá de Bellavista, an event that Sanz has defined as "a synonym for reunion, memories, and experiences" and as an expression of the neighbourhood's pride in its roots.
In conclusion, the mayor has championed the fighting spirit of the residents and looked to the future: "No one has given anything to Bellavista. Everything you see when you go out onto the street bears the direct imprint of the efforts of residents and associations that came together, fought, and built this neighbourhood."
"If Bellavista has been able to build all this starting practically from nothing, do not doubt that the best of your history begins right now."
With this inauguration, the Centenary Park is officially recognised as a space of memory for the residents of Bellavista, who are currently celebrating their annual festivities.
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