Last Friday, 3 October, and Saturday, 4 October, ELIS Murcia enthusiastically celebrated its 35th anniversary, consolidating its position as a leading international school in the Region of Murcia.

The celebration began on Friday with a formal event at the Buenavista campus, attended by 35 distinguished guests, including local authorities, institutional representatives, alumni, members of Cognita, and nursery schools, among others. Among the attendees were Mr Miguel Ángel Noguera Gómez, Councillor for Sports at Murcia City Council, Ms Miriam Fuertes Quintanilla, President of the Murcia Chamber of Commerce, and Ms Juana Mulero Cánovas, Dean of the Faculty of Education at the Catholic University of San Antonio in Murcia. The founders of the school, Mr Antonio Alonso and Mr José Lorite, also participated, as well as Mr Álvaro de Miguel, Managing Director of Cognita for Spain and Italy.

In addition, current and former school and Cognita directors, the current and former presidents of the ELIS Murcia Parents’ Association (AMPA), and two former students who returned to share this special moment were present. During the event, welcome speeches were delivered, a commemorative plaque was unveiled, and a guided tour of the facilities took place, concluding with an outdoor reception, in an emotional gathering that strengthened the bonds of collaboration and commitment within our school community.

On Saturday, the celebration continued with a family-friendly event at the Montevida campus, attended by over 1,000 members of our community, including students, families, staff, and alumni. The day featured live music performances by the group Enreda2, entertainment hosted by the well-known speaker Big Mike, giant paellas, snacks, and paparajotes for dessert.

Attendees enjoyed a wide range of activities, including a second-hand market in aid of the Vicente Ferrer Foundation, gardening, painting, bracelet-making and chess workshops, country-themed photo booths, information stands from the Martín No Puede Solo Foundation and the Sustainable Development Foundation, as well as the CEOM, an association supporting the integration of people with intellectual disabilities. The Civil Guard also had a stand for demonstration and information, and visitors could meet local artisans, attend a book signing by the children’s author Fran González Amorós, have fun with La Pandilla de Drilo, or enjoy Bendy’s delicious donuts, among many other activities.

These two days not only celebrated three and a half decades of educational excellence but also strengthened our connection with the community and highlighted the personalised, high-quality, values-based education that characterises ELIS Murcia. We sincerely thank everyone who joined us for their trust and support, which are fundamental for continuing to grow, innovate, and provide the very best international education to our students in the years to come.