The Local Government Board of Villena recently approved an allocation of €27,000 as a subsidy for the Association Nuestra Señora María de las Virtudes, known as the Junta de la Virgen. This aid corresponds to the 2026 annual payment.
The municipal contribution will enable the entity to cover part of its ordinary activities and sustain the various events it organizes throughout the year. The Councillor for Fiestas, José Ferri, highlighted the Junta's importance to the city, stating that "the Junta is an essential part of our city, and is directly or indirectly involved in the most representative events of our calendar of festivities and events." He added that the Junta is also "directly part of the life and functioning of unique spaces from a heritage and emotional perspective for all our people, the Church of Santiago and the Sanctuary of Las Virtudes".
The subsidy agreement clearly specifies the use of the funds, which includes cleaning expenses for the Church of Santiago, maintenance costs for the church, cloister, and royal hall, as well as for the esplanade and restrooms of the Sanctuary of Las Virtudes. It will also cover choral or music band performances, floral expenses, drawing prizes, office supplies, advertising, communication, and member distribution.
