In Valencia on  5 February 2026,  the Colón Market dressed up to pay tribute to Valencians who inspire with their work and passion. The ceremony brought together numerous Valencians and  more and and took place in the entrance square on Jorge Juan, with a stage designed for the occasion. The first Colón Market Awards recognized figures who have made a difference in communication, culture, sports, science, business and gastronomy, on a night full of emotion and pride for Valencia. Ángela Pérez, José Manuel Casañ, José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, Pablo Motos and Ricard Camarena received a numbered silkscreen of a special painting of the Market made by Horacio Silva. The Mayoress of Valencia and the family of the architect who created the building, Francisco Mora, received a special award.

The gala, presented by Jesus Álvarez, kicked off with an introduction about the meaning of the Colón Market for Valencians, explained by its president, José Manuel Manglano, who took the floor to invite the entire socioeconomic and cultural world of Valencia to join the Colón Market Community and to count on this unique modernist space for their highlights and activities. Manglano also announced the special award to María José Catalá in recognition of her constant support for the Colón Market over the years, long before holding office. “The Colón Market is a symbol of a vibrant Valencia, which is once again breathing ambition and leadership, and which is proud of its identity. And the Valencia City Council will always be by its side so that this emblem of the city continues to be at the top,” commented the Mayoress of Valencia.

The Sports Award was given to José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, president of the Higher Sports Council: “It is a true honour for me to receive this recognition. My deep feeling towards Valencia, the city where I was born, where my friends and my best memories are, only increases my gratitude towards the people who so generously decided to place me at the end of this beautiful line of honorees. The Colón Market is a landmark of our city, forged by great entrepreneurs and merchants whom I want to thank from the bottom of my heart and with a fraternal embrace.” The award was presented by Ángel Adalid and José Ortiz from Down Monkey Business, Pantalán 5 and Lupin Piano Bar.

In the Science and Business category, the award went to Ángela Pérez, an entrepreneur, researcher and national benchmark in the field of genetics and biotechnology. The award was presented by Steve Anderson from Ma Khin and Aurelio Comes from Frutas y Verduras Fina, highlighting the connection between innovation, local product and Valencian talent. “Receiving awards in your city and in the place where I relax and like to come with my friends is truly endearing and special,” commented the Jaime I Entrepreneurship Award winner as she was emotionally presented with the memento of the Colón Market.

The Communication Award included a special recognition to Pablo Motos, whose career has contributed to projecting the image of Valencia throughout the country, with the projection of a video during the event in which he commented that “Whenever I go to Valencia I pass by the door of the Colón Market because my wife always wants to go and it is more beautiful than ever,” in addition to thanking for the recognition.

If we say “comerranas” “I want to have your presence” or “chiquilla” we think of a thousand moments because ‘Seguridad Social’ has become part of the collective imagination of several generations. José Manuel Casañ has made Valencia, Valencians, be in the memories of all Spaniards and that our music, his music, sounds at all weddings and celebrations and that is why he received the Culture Award from Luis Lázaro of Martin y Mary Pescadería Gourmet and Kika Morató of Vino y Flores.

Ricard Camarena, one of the great references of contemporary Valencian cuisine, recognized for his commitment to the orchard and local produce, received the Gastronomy award, unanimously voted by all his colleagues. The award was presented by Juan Galiano, director of the Valencia Centro Area of ​​Cajamar. The highlight was when all the merchants and traders of the Colón Market went up, to take a picture all together that was a symbol of community, enthusiasm, camaraderie and shared work.

The director of the Valencia Centro Area of ​​Cajamar, Juan Galiano, commented: “for our entity, local commerce is an essential sector in the economic dynamism of the city and, not only that, it is also part of our social and cultural identity, since it reflects our way of doing and publicizing our local products. For this reason, as a cooperative bank, we support all those initiatives, such as these awards, that give visibility to their activity and their contribution to the economy and identity of our city.”

The Colón Market Awards were created with the aim of thanking and giving visibility to those who, from different fields, contribute to improving daily life and projecting Valencia beyond its borders, in the same way that the Colón Market itself does every day from the heart of the city. The prestigious artist Horacio Silva, Professor of Fine Arts and international reference, created an exclusive painting for this edition that will remain as a legacy in the Market, a symbol of tradition and modernity. In addition, each award winner received a numbered serigraph (Giclée), conceived as a unique piece that immortalizes the spirit of the award and the essence of Valencia. His work turned each award into art, elevating the celebration to an unforgettable cultural tribute.

Report by 24/7 Valencia team

Article copyright ’24/7 Valencia’

Photos copyright César ‘Le Clik’

More info: https://mercadocolon.es/