Diego Pérez, the provincial delegate for Education, Culture and Sports, officially opened the first national congress of the Spanish Confederation of Musical Societies (CESM) in Albacete. This event brings together representatives from musical societies, federations, directors, educators, researchers, cultural managers, and institutional leaders from across Spain.
During his speech, Pérez highlighted that hosting this congress in Albacete positions the province at the forefront of the national discussion on the present and future of musical societies. He described these entities as "living heritage" and essential components for the cultural and educational development of local communities.
Pérez also pointed out the social dimension of these organisations, stating, "Behind every band, there is much more than music: there are schools, families, training, coexistence, commitment, and volunteerism." He noted their particularly significant role in rural areas, where they often serve as key cultural and educational references for localities.
The provincial delegate emphasised that musical societies play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion, promoting equal opportunities, and combating depopulation by facilitating access to musical education and cultural activities in municipalities of all sizes. He argued that supporting these organisations is tantamount to investing in education, youth, civic participation, and community development.
During the inaugural event, which also featured the president of the Provincial Council, Santi Cabañero, CESM leader Félix Ruiz, the president of the Regional Federation of Musical Societies of Castilla-La Mancha, and councillor Julián Garijo, Pérez underscored the importance of this first national congress as a platform for sharing experiences and addressing the main challenges facing the sector. These challenges include the sustainability of the organisations, digital transformation, preservation of musical heritage, funding, and engaging young people in associative life.
"A musical society builds community, creates opportunities for our youth," Pérez affirmed, encouraging participants to take advantage of this meeting to strengthen collaboration among entities and institutions and to continue building a robust future for the Spanish musical associative movement.
Pérez concluded by expressing gratitude to the Spanish Confederation of Musical Societies for choosing Albacete and Castilla-La Mancha as the venue for this inaugural national congress, highlighting the province's rich musical tradition and vibrant cultural activities linked to bands and musical societies that help sustain local communities and strengthen their identities.
