Francisco Herrero Benedí, known to everyone as “Paco Herrero.”
His journey in the San Roque festivities began when he was just ten years old, joining the crew “El Desbarajuste” alongside his sister Resu, who looked after him.
At the age of thirteen, he joined his first “adult crew”, Peña Rouna, where he remained as a crew member for just one year.
In 1979, the year the crew Peña El Cachirulo was founded, Paco decided to become part of it. It was there that, as we all know, he truly began his lifelong commitment to supporting and working for the San Roque festivities.
In 1981, he started collaborating with the board of directors of Peña El Cachirulo alongside Fernando Fatas, Contreras, Jorge Sanchez, Rodolfo “ El Fito”, and a great group of crew members and friends who helped the crew grow stronger year after year.
From 1991 to 1995, while continuing to serve on the board of his crew, Paco also began collaborating with the Calatayud Inter-Crew Federation.
It was during this period that the first mobile disco was hired by Peña El Cachirulo, in 1992: Disco Móvil Valencia.
In 1995, he took another important step by joining the municipal council as Councillor for Festivals, where he continued supporting his beloved San Roque festivities until 2023, when he concluded his service on the Festival Advisory Council.
In 2015, he was appointed President of the Inter-Crew Federation, working alongside Cesar Simón, David García, Jose Manuel Heredia, Emilio García, and Juandi Gil.
During these years, the work carried out by Paco and his team within the Federation was instrumental in transforming and improving the festivities:
They made it possible to hold the “Chupinazo Limpio”.
They were pioneers in promoting the San Roque festivities nationally and internationally by live streaming the opening ceremony.
They brought color and atmosphere to the streets of Calatayud, from Rua de Dato and Plaza de España all the way to the San Roque neighborhood.
They introduced the Crew Member Day, featuring a concert and dinner for all crew members, now known as Interpeñas Fest.
They established a Crew Member Information Office before and throughout the San Roque festivities.
They created the Crew Member Card, which could be used during the festivities and also provided benefits and discounts to crew members throughout the year.
They introduced digital access to the bullring.
They promoted events such as the official presentation of the festivities, Peñista del Año, and bullfighting events at the Aula Cultural San Benito.
Paco is an unwavering crew member: hardworking, loyal to his crew, and deeply devoted to the San Roque festivities. He has worked tirelessly for his town and for these outstanding celebrations. He is truly deserving of representing all crew members during the upcoming festivities.
