14th Meeting of Extremadura Penyes
On Saturday 21 March, Almendralejo (Badajoz) hosted the 14th Extremadura Penyes Meeting and the 15th anniversary of the Peña Barcelonista El Pino, a key event in the calendar that brought together around 400 attendees for the commemorative dinner.
FC Barcelona was represented by Rafael Pichardo, a member of the Club’s Social Commission, and Esteban Vigo, vice-president of the Former Players Association.
Institutional receptions and official programme
The day began at the Teatro Carolina Coronado, where Rafael Pichardo was welcomed by local authorities before taking part in a guided tour of the city and a reception with representatives of the attending supporters’ clubs.
Among those present were José María Ramírez, mayor of Almendralejo; Raquel del Puerto, president of the Provincial Council of Badajoz; Adoración Gutiérrez, Secretary General for Relations with the Assembly; and several councillors from Almendralejo City Council.
Penya representation included presidents, delegates and members from regional groups in Andalusia, Galicia, Castilla-La Mancha, Asturias, Cantabria and Castellón, as well as representatives from Extremadura, led by Miguel Ángel Cruz, delegate of the Penyes Advisory Council for the region.
Fellowship lunch and supporters’ gathering
At midday, participants gathered at the Salones La Gran Familia for the traditional lunch, attended by 250 people. The meal provided an opportunity for supporters from across Extremadura to come together, with a prominent role played by the host club’s president, Pedro Sánchez.
In the afternoon, the Barça delegation, led by Rafael Pichardo and Esteban Vigo, was officially received at Almendralejo Town Hall, where Mayor José María Ramírez welcomed them. Club representatives presented a commemorative plaque and signed the city’s Book of Honour.
15th anniversary gala and commemorative dinner
The main celebration resumed in the evening, again at Salones La Gran Familia, where more than 400 attendees representing over 48 penyes from Extremadura took part in the anniversary gala dinner.
The speeches were accompanied by the traditional exchange of gifts, a hallmark of penya camaraderie, and an emotional tribute to the president of the host club.
Founded on 5 February 2011, Peña Barcelonista El Pino currently has 150 members, organises annual trips to watch Barça at the Spotify Camp Nou, and maintains an active social calendar, including regular gatherings and assemblies.
