The Málaga actress received the appointment at the Gibralfaro Castle in front of 200 guests. Visibly emotional, she promised to carry the flag throughout the city.
Málaga actress María Barranco is now officially the Flagbearer of the Málaga Fair 2026. The appointment was made official on Thursday night at the Gibralfaro Castle, in an event organized by the Centro Histórico de Málaga Association (CCA) that gathered nearly 200 guests.
The mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, was the one to bestow the recognition upon the actress, accompanied by the Councillor for Festivals, Teresa Porras; the president of the association, Rodrigo Bocanegra Valdés; and Rocío Gaspar. Among the attendees were also the territorial delegates of the Junta de Andalucía, Carmen Sánchez and Lucía Yeves, and councillors Mariana Pineda, Francisco Cantos, and María Paz Flores.
The most emotional moment came with the actress's speech, where she expressed her gratitude for the affection received and joked about her new title. “I would like people to call me María Flagbearer Barranco from now on,” she said amidst laughter and applause.
Barranco, who confessed to loving Málaga “as much as Scarlett O’Hara loved Tara in Gone with the Wind”, assured that she will carry the Flag of Málaga with immense pride and will parade it throughout the city as a symbol of her love for the land that saw her born.
The president of the Centro Histórico Association, Rodrigo Bocanegra, thanked the actress for accepting the role and highlighted the immense affection she evokes among the people of Málaga. He emphasized that the appointment is a tribute to both her artistic career and her lasting connection with the city.
With this event, the association begins the countdown to the XLIII Romería of the Málaga Fair, which will take place next Saturday, August 15. María Barranco will carry the Flag of Málaga from the town hall to the Sanctuary of Victoria at the head of the traditional procession.
The romería is supported by the Operational Services Area of the Málaga City Council, the Provincial Council, Málaga de Moda, Talento Original, CaixaBank, the “la Caixa” Foundation, Hampton by Hilton Málaga Martiricos, Grupo Safamotor, Cruzcampo, Cartojal, and Coca-Cola. The event, as every year, promises to gather thousands of Málaga residents in one of the most beloved events of the local festive calendar.
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