The director of the Elda Footwear Museum, Andrea Paños, today presented the program of events for the Best Shoemaker of Spain 2026 Gala, an award this year going to the well-known presenter and journalist Raquel Sánchez Silva. As a key novelty, the events will be divided into two days, Tuesday, November 3rd, and Wednesday, November 4th, at the express request of the honoree, to allow for a relaxed experience of company visits and the scheduled events.
The theme for this edition, ‘Voices That Leave a Mark’, is dedicated to all the workers in the footwear industry who keep Elda's economic and cultural engine alive. On Tuesday, November 3rd, at 9:00 PM, specially crafted shoes from 20 participating firms will be presented at the Footwear Museum.
On Wednesday, November 4th, the day will begin at 11:00 AM with an official reception at the Elda City Council by the mayor, Rubén Alfaro, and a signing in the Book of Honor. At 12:00 PM, a visit to the Magrit firm in the Campo Alto Industrial Park will take place to learn firsthand about the shoe manufacturing process. At 7:30 PM, the tribute will be held on Calle Dahellos, where the plaque honoring Raquel Sánchez Silva will be unveiled. Finally, at 8:00 PM, the central event will take place at the Teatro Castelar, followed by a reception at the Casino Eldense.
The gala is free and open to all citizens, with invitations needing to be collected beforehand at the Footwear Museum. Andrea Paños thanked the involvement of the Elda City Council, Idelsa, the participating firms, collaborating companies, and the Ficia Foundation.
