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Local News
04 January 2025

Aguilar De Campoo Wins Grand Prix, Strengthens Community Ties

The town unites through friendly rivalry and lasting partnerships with Galletas Gullón.

Aguilar de Campoo celebrated its triumphant win against Alfacar during the special edition of Grand Prix de la Navidad aired on January 3, 2024. This victory not only marked redemption for the locals but also symbolized the powerful role of community partnerships.

The Grand Prix de la Navidad has become more than just entertainment; it has brought together two passionate towns—Aguilar de Campoo, located in Palencia, and Alfacar, from Granada—in a series of exciting competitions. This year's showdown came 121 days after their first encounter on September 4, 2023, where Alfacar initially showcased their prowess.

High stakes and laughter filled the air as the two towns faced off once more. Viewers across Spain tuned in, eager to see if Aguilar de Campoo would avenge their previous defeat. Presenters Aitor Albizua and Lara Álvarez took on the roles of padrinos for their respective towns, bringing enthusiasm and flair to the competition.

The Grand Prix included colorful challenges, some traditional, like 'La patata caliente', and others more imaginative, such as 'Polvorón Express'. There's something wonderfully festive about seeing rival towns come together to compete, showing off not just their skills but also their community spirit. Kids took center stage for special roles, reminding everyone of the holidays' childlike joy.

Aguilar de Campoo got off to a strong start, establishing early momentum, which they managed to maintain through nerve-wracking rounds. While their initial lead was threatened later, the team rallied, showcasing their determination.

Reliability and suspense coalesced around the final game, 'El diccionario', where points dramatically shifted with each answer. Aguilar de Campoo asserted its supremacy through correct answers—first validating 'velicomen' as legitimate, giving them three points and positioning them favorably.

Alfacar, hoping for their own comeback, faced increased pressure when their guess 'zaquizamí' backfired, costing them three points. The eagerness of the residents at home mirrored the tension on-screen—they were hooked, with every response carrying the weight of community pride.

Aguilar did not rest on their laurels but continued to build their score before closing with victory at 28 points, leaving Alfacar behind at 20 points. The moment of triumph was palpable, the cheers echoing across Aguilar de Campoo as they reveled in their well-fought success.

It was not just the thrill of the competition; this victory also illustrated the greater community ties present through initiatives like their collaboration with local businesses. Notably, Galletas Gullón has been pivotal in this regard. Local leader Galletas Gullón renewed their cooperation pact with the Ayuntamiento de Aguilar de Campoo, ensuring the continuation of community-centric initiatives heading well beyond 2024.

The pact will significantly impact local life, from promoting cultural events to supporting social initiatives. "Renovar esta asociación estratégica nos permite seguir reforzando nuestro vínculo con Aguilar de Campoo, un lugar que ha sido nuestra casa durante más de 130 años", remarked Paco Hevia, Director of Galletas Gullón.

María José Ortega, the town’s mayor, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the economic impacts of investing community resources. "Este convenio es una muestra más del compromiso de Galletas Gullón con nuestra localidad. Su apoyo constante... impulsa el desarrollo económico y social de nuestra región," she said, highlighting how such partnerships intrinsically strengthen both community identity and economic resilience.

The ties between Galletas Gullón and Aguilar de Campoo exemplify the potential of public-private alliances to effectively boost local development. It’s this blend of competitive spirit and collaborative growth fostering immense benefits for both the townsfolk and visitors alike.

Victory at the Grand Prix is more than just points on the board—it's about camaraderie and the shared pride of communities coming together. Aguilar de Campoo’s win serves to reinforce local bonds, not just with their rival town, but through partnerships ensuring lasting improvement and joy for future generations.