Silleda, October 16, 2026. The town of Silleda is preparing a tribute to José Maril Sánchez, to be held on January 16, 2027. The event aims to recognize his career and decisive contribution to the creation, promotion, and consolidation of the Semana Verde de Galicia (Galician Green Week). In parallel, the Silleda City Council will promote his naming as 'Hijo Predilecto' (Favorite Son) of the municipality, a distinction intended to value his legacy and close ties to the town.
The initiative originated from a citizen proposal, which from the outset had the involvement of the Silleda City Council and the Fundación Semana Verde de Galicia. An organizing committee has been working for months on the preparations for this shared recognition, highlighting the economic and social development, and the external projection of Silleda thanks to Maril Sánchez's work.
The mayor, Paula Fernández Pena, emphasized the collective nature of the initiative: "The recognition of José Maril stems from a shared desire to thank him for all he has done for the Semana Verde and for Silleda." She added that the City Council will support the tribute, considering Maril Sánchez a "fundamental figure" for the recent history of the municipality. The mayor also proposed the 'Hijo Predilecto' distinction, one of the highest municipal honors.
The organizing committee, comprising the mayor, a municipal technician, the director of the Fundación Semana Verde, Ricardo Durán, and current and former employees of the fair entity, has been coordinating preparations for months. The event will take place at the facilities of the Fundación Semana Verde, a significant location due to the honoree's connection with the institution.
José Maril Sánchez was key in launching the Semana Verde, leading its Foundation from 1991 to 2008. His work was decisive in consolidating the fair and its grounds, turning it into a strategic infrastructure for various sectors and an economic engine for Silleda, placing the municipality on the map of Galician trade fairs.
The mayor highlighted that "to speak of José Maril is to speak of the Semana Verde, but also of a fundamental part of Silleda's transformation in recent decades." The proposal to name him 'Hijo Predilecto' will be submitted for consideration by the municipal plenary session, seeking to formally express Silleda's gratitude for his dedication.
