The city of Lugo is reeling from the sudden death of its mayor, Paula Alvarellos, aged 61, who passed away on March 1, 2025, following a cardiac arrest. This tragic event occurred as the city prepared to kick off its much-anticipated Carnival, Entroido, on the evening of February 28. The news of her passing has sent shockwaves throughout the community, prompting immediate responses from local government and citizens alike.
Following the heart attack, Alvarellos was rushed to the Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, where doctors attempted to stabilize her condition with procedures including catheterization. Despite initial reports indicating she was stable, her condition deteriorated overnight, necessitating her transfer to the Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña for more advanced cardiac care. Sadly, her medical team was unable to save her, and she died early Saturday morning.
The municipality wasted no time responding to this unexpected tragedy. Rubén Arroxo, the first deputy mayor, has assumed the role of acting mayor during this time of mourning and transition. His immediate action was to cancel all scheduled Carnival festivities, including the traditional fairs and parades set for the weekend, to respect Alvarellos’s memory. "All Carnival festivities scheduled are canceled as a sign of respect following the mayor's death," Arroxo announced. The cancellation marks the end of what was meant to be one of Lugo’s most vibrant celebrations.
The previous night’s events turned from festive anticipation to devastating heartbreak as Alvarellos collapsed shortly before the opening ceremony of Carnival festivities. Reports indicate she felt unwell before the event and required emergency medical assistance. This tragic turnaround has transformed what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for the community—a time characterized by parades, costume competitions, and musical performances—into one of deep mourning.
Community reactions have been heartfelt, with messages of condolence pouring in from various political leaders and citizens expressing their shock and grief. The loss of Alvarellos, who became the second woman to serve as mayor of Lugo after her predecessor, Lara Méndez, signifies not just the end of her tenure but also the abrupt halt to her initiatives aimed at revitalizing the city’s economy and governance.
Alvarellos's political career had begun when she assumed the mayoralty in January 2024, stepping up after Lara Méndez transitioned to run for the Galician Parliament. A law graduate by profession, she transitioned from her legal career to public service, bringing significant changes to the municipal governance. During her time as mayor, she focused on restructuring the municipal workforce and addressing pressing issues within the city, including the urban planning bottlenecks hampering Lugo’s growth. Her adept handling of these issues earned her respect across various sectors of the community.
Rubén Arroxo has expressed his intention to maintain steady leadership during this transitional phase. "My immediate focus is to organize the official mourning for Paula Alvarellos and to keep the city's operations running smoothly," he said, affirming his commitment to public service during this time. His leadership will be pivotal until the Socialist Party (PSOE), the party of the former mayor, officially nominates her successor during the next municipal council session.
The grief shared within Lugo is not singular; it resonates beyond political affiliations, uniting various community leaders and citizens who have voiced their admiration for Alvarellos. Community sentiments reflect on her impactful administration and contributions. One leader commented, "We must honor her legacy by supporting each other during this challenging time." This sentiment encapsulates the shared loss felt across all levels of society.
While the city grapples with grief, discussions about the continuity of leadership and the governance of Lugo will take center stage. The mourning period will undoubtedly shape the next steps for the community, which has shown great resilience and unity during this crisis. The pause on Carnival celebrations highlights both the community's respect for Alvarellos and the depth of their loss.
Paula Alvarellos's sudden death may have halted the festive spirit she fought to promote, but her legacy as mayor will leave lasting impressions on Lugo. Her time as mayor, not without its challenges, demonstrated her commitment to tackling the issues impacting her constituents and advocating for the community's needs. Now, as Lugo mourns, it reflects on her contributions and the path forward, ensuring she is not forgotten as the town pivots to the future.