The Town Hall of El Viso del Alcor has posthumously awarded the title of Favourite Son to the singer Antonio Roldán Sánchez, known as Niño Colchón. The gold insignia was presented to his widow during an emotional ceremony in the cloistered courtyard of the Town Hall.
The cloistered courtyard of the Town Hall of El Viso del Alcor hosted an emotional event late Thursday afternoon. The mayor, Gabi Santos, presented the gold insignia that recognises Antonio Roldán Sánchez, ‘Niño Colchón’, as Favourite Son of the municipality, who passed away on June 3, 2021. The award was collected by his widow, Rosario Cadenas, accompanied by their daughters Inmaculada, María Dolores, and Cristina. After the presentation, a signature was made in the Town Hall's Book of Honour, documenting the recognition.
A tribute that unites the whole town
The title of Favourite Son is the highest honour a municipality can bestow upon one of its residents. In this case, the Town Hall's decision was strongly supported by numerous citizens, personalities, and local groups. Everyone wanted to express their gratitude for Antonio Colchón's dedication and love for flamenco and for his town, whose name he carried with pride wherever he performed.
This is not the first recognition the singer has received since his passing. Over a year ago, a square in the Vista Verde neighbourhood, on the Los Alcores ridge, was named in his honour during a large event. Additionally, the Cante Grande festival of El Viso del Alcor, which he helped create through the Peña Flamenca El Rincón del Pilar, now includes his name in its official title.
A career with over seventy awards
Antonio Roldán was not an ordinary singer. With over seventy national awards, he was noted for his rigorous orthodoxy and long, flexible style. He identified as a mairenista, referring to the singing style from Mairena del Alcor, and his voice was recognisable for its clear and perfectly understandable diction. His role as a researcher and promoter of flamenco led him to publish the book-album “Letras de hoy para el flamenco de siempre. Cancionero de Antonio Colchón”, considered a valuable work for delving into the details of flamenco singing.
Moreover, he was an indefatigable creator of talent. He promoted the Flamenco Singing competition for amateurs and the Exaltation of the Saeta, always focused on new generations. He often worked in harmony with his brother David, who was also linked to flamenco. His educational efforts have left a mark on the young singers of the locality.
An event filled with singing and emotion
The tribute could not end without flamenco. His nephew Adrián Roldán performed several songs in memory of his uncle, earning applause from the attendees. Mayor Gabi Santos highlighted during his speech that “Antonio Colchón is now an inseparable part of the history of El Viso del Alcor.” The widow, visibly moved, expressed her gratitude for the affection received and recalled that her husband “always carried the name of the town as his banner.”
For the residents, this recognition is a source of pride. The name of Niño Colchón now joins those of other illustrious figures from the municipality, and his legacy will remain alive in every corner where soleares or seguiriyas are sung. Those wishing to learn more about his work can consult the songbook at the municipal library.