The Costa Blanca is preparing for a royal visit. Queen Letizia of Spain will travel to Elda on Thursday 19 February and will visit the facilities of the renowned local footwear firm Pedro García.
During her visit, the Queen will tour the factory’s production line. She will see at first hand how skilled artisans craft each pair of shoes. The process begins with the initial design. It ends with the finished product, which is exported to markets around the world.
Not Elda’s first royal visit
This will be the Queen’s first official visit to Elda. The previous visit by a member of the Spanish Royal Family took place on 3 December 1976. On that occasion, Juan Carlos I of Spain and Queen Sofía of Spain toured the city. They also visited the Town Hall.
The trip forms part of the celebrations marking 100 years of Pedro García. Moreover, the company is widely regarded as one of Spain’s most prestigious women’s footwear brands. It was founded in 1925. At that time, founder Pedro García opened a small shoemaking workshop in his family home in Elda.
International recognition
Today, the third generation of the García family runs the business. Mila García serves as chief executive officer. Her brother, Pedro García, is the creative director. Together, they continue the work started by their father and grandfather.
The brand employs more than 120 people. It sells its collections in 48 countries. Over the years, it has earned international recognition for its craftsmanship and design.
In 2020, Queen Letizia presented the company with Spain’s National Fashion Award for the footwear industry. She also regularly wears shoes from Elda-based brands.
