In an emotion-filled ceremony, Grupo Excelencias celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the Excelencias Awards on October 29, which, for two decades, have highlighted the most outstanding projects in tourism, gastronomy, art, and culture in Ibero-America.
The gala took place at the Gran Teatro CaixaBank Príncipe Pío in Madrid, gathering personalities from various sectors. On this occasion, no new awards were presented; instead, the emblematic Excelencias Awards diamond was given to all attendees, and a tribute was paid to awardees from the past two decades, with photographs projected of iconic figures who have left an indelible mark in these fields.
The event was hosted by journalist Marcial Corrales from Paralelo 20 – Radio Marca, accompanied by gastronome Cristina Ybarra, who warmly welcomed the attendees. Corrales emphasized the importance of this anniversary, marked by the history, legacy, and forward-looking vision of the awardees.
“We are celebrating the twentieth anniversary; it all began in 2004 when the idea of organizing these awards emerged with the goal of recognizing the efforts and achievements of entities, states, tourism organizations, and individuals who have driven vital projects. Thanks to them, we can feel proud of the industry we have built together today,” he highlighted.
During the evening, broadcaster Antonella Ruggiero, renowned for her role in promoting Ibero-American gastronomy, took the stage to highlight the work of Grupo Excelencias. She commented, “Over these 20 years, the Excelencias Awards have put us on the world map, given value to our passports, and recognized our efforts, harmonizing our visions and making it evident, in form and substance, who we are, who we have been, and, above all, who we can become.”
Verónica de Santiago, Director of Grupo Excelencias, expressed, “I truly believe that we all tell stories through our work.” She continued, “These 20 years of awards are proof of that, recognizing the effort and excellence of 387 projects.”
Finally, De Santiago reflected on the importance of time in the process of building and growth: “If we don’t analyze time, we won’t be able to lay a solid foundation for the future,” she concluded, underscoring the importance of looking back to project toward an even firmer and more promising future.
Meanwhile, Patricia Teba, Director of Escaparate Virtual, highlighted the joint effort of the entire Grupo Excelencias team and expressed her sincere gratitude to the awardees, attendees, friends, and sponsors of the gala. “Without your support, none of this would have been possible. Thank you for sharing such a special event with us, made with so much affection,” she concluded.
The highlight of the evening came with a speech by José Carlos de Santiago, founder of Grupo Excelencias. Moved, he thanked all attendees for their presence and noted that the organization of the gala had been carried out without his intervention, in a gesture of recognition for his work and career. During his speech, De Santiago also remembered his mentor, Rafael Ansón, to whom he dedicated words of profound respect and admiration. He further emphasized that Ibero-America remains the homeland of all of us because equality exists among all human beings.
The wine presentation was led by the head waiter and sommelier of Corral de la Morería, Santiago Carrillo, who introduced a selection of Monteabellón Verdejo 2023, characterized by its lush floral perfumes and primary aromas reminiscent of banana and exotic fruits, and Monteabellón 2021, notable for its intense cherry color with garnet rim. Its deep aroma includes notes of candied fruit and sweet spices, perfectly integrated with high-quality wood that gives it elegance.
During the gala, Grupo Excelencias thanked the collaborating brands, whose support was essential for the event’s success, including: Acció Preventiva, Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón S.L., Jamones Eíriz, Bodega La Inglesa, Ratiodeka S.L., Zalacaín, Vallformosa, Flores de Queso, Heineken Beer, and Pifema Wines.
The event also featured the participation of brands like Rives with a cocktail tasting and UZalacaín, responsible for catering that, through its exquisite gastronomic proposal, reaffirmed the close relationship between Excelencias and haute cuisine.
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