The municipality of Argamasilla de Alba has celebrated the International Day of Rural Women, observed on 15 October, by organising two significant events that underscore the vital contributions of women in rural areas. On 16 October, the local Women's Centre hosted an olive oil tasting paired with culinary delights, alongside the opening of the first edition of the photography competition titled "Women who cultivate the future."
Olive oil tasting experience
The first event took place in the auditorium of the Cultural Centre "Casa de Medrano," where participants enjoyed a tasting of extra virgin olive oils, guided by the Luz del Alba oil mill. Eugenio García, the councillor for Equality, welcomed attendees and introduced the session, which aimed to explore the characteristics and nuances of one of the most emblematic products of the agricultural and culinary traditions of Castilla-La Mancha.
During the tasting, various olive oil varieties were presented, including royal from Cazorla, arbequina, manzanilla cacereña, picual, and cornicabra. Participants learned how to identify the aromas, flavours, and properties of the oils through sensory tests, which included guidance on the ideal temperature for appreciating their qualities and the criteria for evaluating oil quality. The experience was complemented by a gastronomic pairing that showcased the culinary potential of olive oil.
Photography exhibition as a tribute to rural women
Later in the evening, at 20:00, the Gregorio Prieto Gallery within the Cultural Centre hosted the inauguration of the photography exhibition and the awards ceremony for the competition "Women who cultivate the future." This initiative, launched by the Women's Centre in collaboration with the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha and the Antonio López School of Art and Design in Tomelloso, featured 13 participants and aimed to highlight women's contributions to rural life.
The competition sought to acknowledge the historical role of women in rural areas and to reflect the social and cultural transformations experienced in this context through photography. During the presentation, the importance of culture as a tool for advancing equality was emphasised, and the involvement of participants and the educational institution was appreciated, with a special mention to teacher Amparo for her contributions.
García explained that the competition had been in development for some time, aiming to increase the visibility of rural women and their growing presence in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and other professional sectors. He also highlighted the collaboration with the Antonio López School of Art, which provides students the opportunity to showcase their work beyond the academic environment. The councillor expressed hope for the competition's continuation in future editions, encouraging greater participation.
Acknowledging talent and awarding prizes
The event concluded with the awards ceremony, where García presented prizes to the winners, marking a day dedicated to culture, participation, and the recognition of rural women. In the adult category, for participants aged 19 and above, the first prize of €150 was awarded to Cristina Becerra Martín-Albo for her photograph titled "Lumbre." The second prize of €100 went to Juana Hueso Espinosa for her work "The threads of life." Both prizes will be awarded via bank transfer.
In the youth category, aimed at participants aged 16 to 18, the first prize was given to María Ángeles Díaz-Cacho Gutiérrez for her photograph "The rest," which carries a reward of €75 in the form of a voucher redeemable at local businesses in Argamasilla de Alba, supporting local commerce.
The awards served to recognise the efforts of the winners and all participants, reinforcing photography's role in preserving memory, conveying values, and highlighting the experiences and contributions of rural women. The organisers particularly stressed the importance of encouraging younger generations to engage in cultural initiatives that help preserve traditions while offering new perspectives on rural life.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until 23 October at the Gregorio Prieto Gallery, providing residents and visitors the chance to view the works submitted to the competition. Through these activities, the Women's Centre reaffirms its commitment to raising awareness and recognising the role of rural women, merging gastronomy, culture, and civic participation to highlight their contributions to the history, identity, and future of rural communities.
