This morning, the Salón de Plenos at the Palencia City Council hosted an institutional reception for renowned flamenco dancer and choreographer María Pagés. The event was attended by the first deputy mayor, Carlos Hernández, and the councillor for Cultural Identity, Tourism and Festivals, Francisco Fernández, among other municipal officials, in recognition of Pagés' significant influence in contemporary flamenco worldwide.
Pagés has developed a unique artistic language that transcends dance, blending flamenco with theatre and humanistic reflection. During the reception, prior to her performance at the Teatro Principal this evening, where she and her company will present “Paraíso de los negros,” which had been postponed due to official mourning following the Urda train accident, Pagés was gifted a painting honouring the Women of Palencia, featuring a small Golden Band and a historical inscription.
In the visitors' book, Pagés wrote: “It is an honour, a privilege, to be, live and dance in Palencia. Proud to receive the legacy of its women. We will return to continue their steps. With infinite gratitude. Long live dance!”
Fernández expressed gratitude to Pagés for her contributions to dance, highlighting her importance in both national and international performing arts. He noted, “The aim of this tribute is for artists who come to Palencia to also become transmitters of the history of Palencia's women. We believe that it could not be in better hands or a better dance company.”
Pagés responded by stating, “It is an honour to receive this heritage, this legacy,” while accepting the responsibility to promote it and advocate for the role women have played throughout history. “Many of them have not received the recognition they deserved,” she remarked, extending her message to women working across society and in the arts.
