November 2025 Update

The Centro Español is pleased to announce that we will be joining the other Tampa legacy ethnic clubs in celebrating the founding of Ybor City (the Centro Asturiano, El Círculo Cubano, L’Unione Italiana, and Sociedad La Union Martí Maceo). The celebration will be in the form of a grand Piquiniqui and will be held at the Centro Asturiano on Sunday, December 14 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 

 We are happy to report that through the generosity of the Jesús and Nena Expositó trust, as administered by our own Emiliano Salcines, we are reserving eight tables. And will grant free entry to the first 64 Centro Español members and guests who let us know of their intent to attend (either by calling or sending an email). There are fewer than 30 free seats remaining! If all the free spots are taken, members and non-members wishing to attend can do so by purchasing individual tickets for $25 apiece via Eventbrite. (Here’s the link to buy tickets.)

Let’s make a good showing at this important gathering as we remember the foresight and courage of Vicente Martínez Ybor and Ignacio Haya. Both were members of the Centro Español and contributed mightily to the growth and prosperity of Ybor City, West Tampa, and the rest of our fair city.

We will be gathering on Saturday, February 14 at 6:00 PM in our ancestral home in West Tampa to celebrate the New Year and to conduct a little club business. We are happy to report that our good friend and member, Donna Parrino will be joining us and will be talking about her new book, which describes her life growing up in Ybor City, specifically in the neighborhood near Cuscaden Park. We will be providing reminders and more information about this event soon, but you can count on the usual assortment of the foods and wine of Spain.

Our president John Rañon traveled to Miami last week to participate in a
gathering of associations dedicated to serving Spaniards in the U.S. John was accompanied by Cristal Lastra, president of the Centro Asturiano and Gilberto Fernández, Centro Asturiano Board Member. The purpose of the meeting was for the members of the various associations to get to know each other and share common interests in a round-table discussion. Also present was the newly appointed General Consul of Spain in Miami, Belén Alfaro Hernández.

Centro Español Past Presidents

At the request of el Museo de la Emigración in Colombres, Asturias we have been compiling a list of all past presidents of the Centro Español. Thanks largely to efforts of Cathy Varon and Cynthia Tamargo, our list is nearly complete. We will present the fruits of their labor at the upcoming Social in hopes that our members can help us complete the process. When we are reasonably satisfied with its completeness and accuracy, we will share the compendium with the Museum in Colombres who will display it in thesection of the Museum devoted to Tampa.