Honours and Distinctions

Agrupación de Cofradías of Lucena (Lucena Association of Brotherhoods)

Gold Medal of the Agrupación de Cofradías of Lucena

Throughout its history, the Agrupación de Cofradías of Lucena has awarded various honours and distinctions to institutions, brotherhoods, and individuals who, from a range of fields, have made a significant contribution to the development, preservation, and promotion of Holy Week in Lucena.

Among these distinctions, the Gold Medal of the Agrupación de Cofradíasstands out, as one of the highest honours granted by the institution, recognising dedication, commitment, and close ties to the confraternity life of the town. Over the years, this distinction has been awarded to organisations and institutions such as the Local Police and the National Police, in recognition of their cooperation and dedication during the processions and all the activities associated with Holy Week.

Likewise, this distinction has been awarded to various brotherhoods and confraternities deeply rooted in the history and identity of Lucena, such as the Venerable Archicofradía de Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno (Venerable Archconfraternity of Our Father Jesus the Nazarene), the Real Archicofradía de María Santísima de Araceli (Royal Archconfraternity of Our Lady of Araceli), theCofradía del Santísimo Cristo del Amor (Confraternity of the Most Holy Christ of Love), the Hermandad y Cofradía de Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Columna y María Santísima de la Paz y Esperanza (Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus of the Column and Blessed Mary of Peace and Hope), the Cofradía de Nuestro Padre Jesús Caído y Nuestra Señora de la Salud (Confraternity of Our Father Jesus the Fallen and Our Lady of Health), theHermandad de Nazarenos del Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre y María Santísima del Mayor Dolor (Brotherhood of Nazarenes of the Most Holy Christ of the Blood and Most Holy Mary of Greatest Sorrow), the Cofradía del Santísimo Cristo de la Humillación y Nuestra Señora de los Dolores “Servitas” (Confraternity of the Most Holy Christ of Humiliation and Our Lady of Sorrows ‘Servites’), the Hermandad del Rocío de Lucena (Rocío Brotherhood of Lucena) and the Hermandad de Tambores Enlutados del Santísimo Cristo de la Salud y Misericordia (Brotherhood of Mourning Drummers of the Most Holy Christ of Health and Mercy), recognisign their contribution to the town’s religious, cultural, and human heritage.

In particular, in 2024, the Agrupación de Cofradías appointed Juan Parejo Pineda asHonorary President, in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to the service, promotion, and defence of Holy Week in Lucena, as well as for his work in promoting and preserving the knowledge of Lucena’s confraternity traditions.

These distinctions reflect the collective recognition granted to those who, through different responsibilities and across generations, have helped to enhace and preserve one of the Lucena’s most significant cultural and heritage expressions.

‘Manolo Ramírez’Brotherhood Award

In 1982, the Agrupación de Cofradías of Lucena established an award which, over time, has become one of the most recognised and eagerly awaited distinctions in the confraternity calendar: the ‘Manolo Ramírez’ Brotherhood Award. Through this award, it is paid tribute to Manuel Ramírez, who was once regarded as the ‘first exemplary member of a brotherhood’, while publicly recognises the dedication, perseverance, and commitment of those who have devoted their lives to the service of Holy Week in Lucena.

The award is presented prior to the Holy Week Proclamation of Lucena, on Passion Saturday, in the Major Parish Church of St. Matthew the Apostle.

The award was stablished as a gesture of gratitude and remembrance for the quiet yet indispensable work of the many men and women who sustain the life of the brotherhoods. Unlike other awards focused on public recognition, the Manolo Ramírez Brotherhood Award places emphasis on quiet and steadfast dedication: faithful participation in religious worships, work carried out in brotherhood houses, the preservation of heritage, and the many other tasks which though they rarely attract attention, make possible the greatness of Holy Week in Lucena.

Since its establishment, the award has been presented annually, becoming an essential meeting of the Lenten season. Each award ceremony is a heart-warming occasion that recognises not only an individual, but also the whole way of understanding confraternity commitment as an act of selfless service. By receiving the award, the recipients become a source of inspiration and an example for future generations, reminding us that Holy Week is sustained not only by the splendour of the processions, but also by the daily dedication of those who work behind the scenes.

The award has also helped to strengthen the identity of the Agrupación itself as a leading institution in recognising and promoting confraternity values. It is not merely a decoration, but rather a gesture of fellowship and recognition towards those who, with humility and without expecting any reward, haved devoted their time, effort and faith to enhancing the brotherhoods and passing on the heritage they have received.

Today, more than four decades after its inception, the ‘Manolo Ramírez’ Brotherhood Award remains as relevant as ever. With each new edition, the Agrupación de Cofradías reaffirms its commitment to remembrance, gratitude and future, recalling that Holy Week in Lucena would not be possible without the quiet dedication of so many examplary members of the brotherhoods. In essence, this award embodies the very spirit of what it means to be a member of a brotherhood: to live simply, to serve with dedication, and to keep the flame of tradition alive.