The governor of the Bank of Spain, José Luis Escrivá, has been appointed a member of the Albacete Cultural Association in Madrid, an entity that brings together natives of the Manchego province in the capital. The event took place last week at the bank's headquarters in Plaza de Cibeles.
The governor of the Bank of Spain and former minister, José Luis Escrivá, has formalised his membership in the Albacete Cultural Association in Madrid, an entity that represents Albacete residents in the capital. The event, which took place last week at the headquarters of the financial institution in Plaza de Cibeles, also served to present him with the Albacetense Distinguido 2026 Award, which he could not collect in April due to scheduling conflicts.
A signing with Manchego flavour
The president of the association, Patricio Morcillo, explained that the agreement for Escrivá to become a member was something that "both parties were eager for". In a relaxed tone, he compared the operation to a football signing, alluding to the passion the governor feels for Albacete Balompié, the club of which his father was president. "It is an honour to have such a prominent figure among our members," Morcillo added.
Escrivá, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and recalled his ties to the land: "Of course, I feel like an ambassador for Albacete. One thing is to reject nationalism and another very different is to love your land, your roots." During the meeting, the governor also expressed his willingness to offer a talk at the group's headquarters, although without haste, as indicated by the association.
An award that arrives late
The Albacetense Distinguido award was granted to Escrivá last April for his professional career and connection to the province. However, the governor's busy schedule — which includes trips abroad — prevented him from attending the official ceremony at the Provincial Council of Albacete. Instead, he sent a video of thanks that the organisers described as "charming and affectionate".
The presentation of the commemorative plaque had been postponed until, finally, a gap was found in the banker’s schedule. "We fully understand his obligations, and that’s why there was no rush," said the group's secretary, Augusto Huéscar, who accompanied Morcillo on the visit.
Childhood memories and passion for Alba
During the conversation, Escrivá reminisced about his early years in Albacete, where he lived until he was 18. He fondly recalled his time at San Fernando School, where he studied until the eighth grade of EGB, and the football matches at the old Carlos Belmonte stadium, which then had an athletics track around it. "Those are fantastic memories. I learned a lot there thanks to some extraordinary teachers," he confessed.
The governor also highlighted the city's growth: "When I left in 1978, Albacete had about 80,000 inhabitants; now it exceeds 180,000. It is a more cosmopolitan city, with more cultural options, although I do not disdain the Albacete of that time either." However, he admitted that he would like to return more often, especially during the Albacete Fair, which he "unfortunately attends less than he would like".
Regarding Albacete Balompié, Escrivá confessed that he follows the team from a distance and celebrates its stability in the Second Division, far from the times it played in regional categories. "I’m glad the club has settled," he stated.
An association that is growing
The Albacete Cultural Association in Madrid, founded decades ago, has become a meeting point for natives of the province in the capital. With Escrivá's incorporation, the entity adds an exceptional member who, according to its leaders, "has always been proud of his land". The next planned activity is a talk with the new member, although no specific date has been set yet.
For Albacete residents living in Madrid, the association organises cultural, gastronomic, and leisure events throughout the year. Those wishing for more information can contact the entity through its website or social media.
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