University of Alicante Honours Torrevieja Historian Mariano Galant

Emotional tribute at Casino de Torrevieja marks second anniversary of his passing

The Casino de Torrevieja hosted a heartfelt tribute to one of the city’s most dedicated educators and local historians. Mariano Galant Torregrosa, a passionate teacher, researcher and defender of Torrevieja’s heritage, was remembered two years after his death in a ceremony organised by the University of Alicante’s Torrevieja campus and the Laboratorio Universitario de Turismo Inteligente (TI.LAB).

Under the title “His career as a teacher and his contributions to the knowledge of Torrevieja’s history”, the event brought together academics, former students, cultural figures and family members to celebrate a life devoted to education and the preservation of local identity.

“His humility, rigour, closeness, humanity and sense of humour defined him both professionally and personally. His legacy remains fully alive in the collective memory of Torrevieja.”

A lifetime dedicated to local heritage

Mariano Galant Torregrosa played a key role in several landmark projects that have helped shape Torrevieja’s cultural identity. His work was instrumental in the recovery and promotion of the Eras de la Sal — one of the city’s most important historical sites — and in efforts to preserve and highlight the cultural heritage of La Mata. He also contributed significantly to the documentation of the city’s origins and its people.

As a secondary school teacher at IES Libertas, Galant influenced generations of young Torreviejenses, instilling in them not only academic knowledge but also a deep appreciation for their local roots. Many former students attended the tribute, sharing moving testimonies about his impact both inside and outside the classroom.

Voices from the academic world

Several prominent academics paid tribute during the event. Professors José Fernando Vera Rebollo and José Norberto Mazón López, both from Torrevieja and the University of Alicante, reviewed Galant’s academic and professional journey. The city’s official chronicler, Francisco Sala Aniorte, highlighted his research into Torrevieja’s early history, while Vicent Esteban Chapapría from the Universitat Politècnica de València recalled their joint work on the Advisory Commission for the Eras de la Sal (CAES).

Dr Juan Antonio Pujol Fructuoso spoke about ongoing cultural and environmental projects linked to the La Mata and Torrevieja lagoons, including the future Parque Cultural de la Laguna de La Mata, where Galant’s influence continues to be felt.

Legacy that endures

The tribute repeatedly emphasised Galant’s human qualities — his humility, dedication, and ability to connect with people. Jesús Segarra Saavedra, director of the University of Alicante’s Torrevieja campus and a former student of Galant, led the presentation, underscoring the personal dimension of the loss felt by the educational community.

Participants agreed that Mariano Galant’s name deserves to be permanently associated with educational or cultural spaces in Torrevieja as a fitting tribute to a lifetime dedicated to teaching, research and the defence of local heritage.

Why this tribute matters for Torrevieja

In a city with a rich but sometimes overlooked history — from its salt industry roots to its transformation into a major tourist destination — figures like Mariano Galant play a vital role. They bridge the gap between academic research and public awareness, ensuring that local stories are preserved and passed on to new generations.

His work on the Eras de la Sal and La Mata’s heritage helped strengthen Torrevieja’s sense of identity at a time when rapid urban development and tourism can sometimes overshadow historical memory. By honouring him, the University of Alicante and local institutions reinforce the importance of cultural continuity and community roots in a cosmopolitan coastal city.

Looking ahead, the event serves as both a farewell and a call to action. Many hope that concrete steps will follow — perhaps naming a classroom, square, or cultural initiative after Galant — to keep his passion for history and education alive in daily Torrevieja life.

As the city continues to grow and evolve, remembering dedicated local scholars like Mariano Galant ensures that progress is grounded in a deep respect for the past. His legacy lives on not only in archives and publications, but in the minds of the many students and citizens he inspired throughout his career.