Today it would be very hard to believe that AEGEE-Valencia has actually been founded 20 years ago – it still attracts so many young people from the Valencia region and is as energetic as ever in spreading the ideas of united Europe, friendship and cultural exchange in the West of Spain.
Twenty years ago, in the last months of 1991, the team of Juan Carlos Navarro (the first president of AEGEE-Valencia), Jacobo Navarro, Javier Caletrío and Balbina Casas was working hard to ensure that the antenna is recognised. They finally established AEGEE-Valencia on the 31st of January, 1992. Since then the history of antenna is full of outstanding events and activities with support and cooperation from local community and organisations such as Polytechnic University of Valencia, Youth Association of the City of Valencia, Valencian Institute of Youth and Youth Council of the City Council, Erasmus Student Network and many others. One of the most recent developments in the life of the antenna was becoming a twin antenna with AEGEE-Moskva.
March celebrations
Even though the official birthday already passed, AEGEE-Valencia was celebrating its anniversary in the middle of
March. Every year these days antenna usually makes its the most famous event (this year it is called “Fallas 2012: Let’s burn Valencia with the Orange Phoenix!”) which is devoted to the local festival “Las Fallas”. The 19th of March has been chosen for the big celebration of the antenna since it’s the final night of the celebration and whole city burns effigies created during these days all around Valencia followed by the biggest firework of the year! This brought truly AEGEEan spirit by celebrating this birthday together with 25 participants from more than 23 antennae! The members of the antenna gathered together with the participants of the event in front of the Central Market and after the botellon continued to enjoy the city and fireworks.
Some faces of AEGEE-Valencia – 2011/2012
These days, much the same as twenty years ago, the antenna traditions and the high level of events are maintained by the group of enthusiastic and motivated young people. The President, Alexandre Belda, sometimes very serious, makes a perfect balance in the group and is always open to new ideas; he is a good friend and this is why people like and support him. Pau Valero, Vice-President, is well-known in AEGEE for his crazy attitudes, curly hair, jokes and famous pipol. Tono Tormo, Treasurer, is the most calm and smiling person on board. But beneath his calmness hides a true spirit – you will be surprised to learn he never misses a single party in the city. Ekaterina Malysheva, responsible for Public Relations, is putting all of her creativity into antenna work and is really enjoying it. Ismael Salvador is our IT guru and honorary member. And finally, Consu Rodenas, Secretary, always smiles and laughs which brings a positive atmosphere to the board meetings.
AEGEE-Valencia would like to thank everyone from the previous boards who dedicated a part of their lives to the antenna, to thank the members and simply everyone who has helped to become what they are now – huge thanks to everyone who supported them and continues to do so!
See you soon in sunny Valencia!
Written by Ekaterina Malysheva, AEGEE-Valencia
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