“Granada is tradition and future; it is culture and work; it is beauty and character—a city destined to lead the European Capital of Culture project in 2031.”
Raúl Berdonés received the Gold Medal of the City of Granada, the highest distinction awarded by the City Council, at the official Honours and Distinctions Ceremony held on February 2 at the Manuel de Falla Auditorium. The Executive Chairman of Secuoya Content Group accepted the award at a ceremony that recognised the contribution of individuals and organisations to the city’s cultural, social and human development.
In his acceptance speech, Berdonés spoke on behalf of all those honoured, emphasising the collective nature of the distinctions awarded. “Receiving these honours is a shared privilege that fills us with deep gratitude,” he said, highlighting the responsibility and commitment these recognitions entail towards Granada—its history, its present and its future.
From the outset of his remarks, the President of Secuoya Content Group noted that the Gold Medal is not the result of an individual achievement, but of careers built on shared effort, values and a spirit of service, reaffirming his determination to continue contributing actively to Granada’s cultural, social and creative development.
Granada as a school of values
In his speech, Raúl Berdonés described Granada as a true school of life. “Granada cannot be explained: it is lived, with its own accent and deep roots,” he said, referring to an identity inherited through family, the streets and everyday life.
A city where, from childhood, people learn the importance of community, solidarity and work well done—principles which, as he noted, continue to guide his personal and professional path.
A professional career with Granada roots
Berdonés recalled that it was in Granada where he launched the business project that is now Secuoya Content Group—an international company with a presence across three continents, offices in around a dozen countries, more than 2,000 employees and nearly 12,000 collaborators, which continues to regard the city as its origin and registered headquarters.
“My city is still my home—the place that gives me peace and always reminds me where I come from,” he said, underlining a leadership style based on respect, participation, autonomy and shared work, and a vision of the company as an active agent in the cultural and social life of its environment.
A commitment to culture and Granada’s future
In the final part of his speech, Raúl Berdonés reaffirmed his strong support for Granada’s candidacy to become European Capital of Culture 2031, expressing his desire and commitment to keep contributing efforts so the city can achieve this strategic goal.
The Executive Chairman of Secuoya Content Group defended culture as a structuring element of Granada’s present and future—capable of generating social cohesion, economic development and international projection—and stressed that “there is no city with greater cultural potential than Granada to take on this challenge.”
A shared recognition
Throughout his remarks, Berdonés wanted to share the Gold Medal with his family, with the people who have accompanied his personal and professional journey, and with the teams with whom he has built his path. “Nothing we celebrate today has been built alone,” he said, thanking those who have supported him over the years.
At the 2026 City of Granada Honours and Distinctions Ceremony, numerous individuals and organisations were recognised for their contribution to the city’s cultural, social and educational life.
The Gold Medal for Merit for the City of Granada was awarded to Lola Índigo (Miriam Doblas Muñoz); Marisol Casas, President of GranaBip; Rita Martínez Soler; and, posthumously, Dolores Serrano Ruiz. The Silver Granada award went to Proyecto Hombre Granada.
Meanwhile, the Golden Granada award recognised the Most Illustrious and Royal Confraternity of the Holy Sacramental Supper and Our Lady of Victory; the Confraternity of the Lord of Humility, Our Lady of Solitude and the Sweet Name of Jesus; the Congregation of the Brothers of the White Cross; the Association of Deaf People of Granada (ASOGRA); the Purísima Concepción Foundation; the City of Children – Hermanos Obreros de María Foundation; the Sacred Heart School; the Daughters of Christ the King Institution; and the Brotherhood of the Sweetest Name of Jesus and the Most Holy Sacrament of the Tabernacle of the Holy Cathedral Church.
The Diploma of Merit for the City of Granada was awarded to Modas Linde and Casa Pasteles.
“Granada is tradition and future; it is culture and work; it is beauty and character,” Berdonés concluded, reiterating his commitment to continue carrying the city’s name wherever he develops his professional activity and to keep supporting initiatives that strengthen Granada’s position as a cultural benchmark.
