Ernesto Milanés Receives High Recognition in Mexico

December 1, 2023

The sash of the Grand Cross of the National Legion of Honor of Mexico was conferred upon renowned painter, draftsman, and sculptor Ernesto Milanés Ruiz (Santiago de Cuba, 1967), an honor bestowed by the President of the Legion, Juan Carlos Sánchez Magallanes, in the Uis Semper Loquitur auditorium of the Faculty of Law of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

This recognition highlights Milanés as an illustrious member of the Legion of Honor, to which he has belonged for five years for his significant contributions to the visual arts and culture in general of that brother Central American territory. He dedicated it to his daughter Amelia, who studies Law in that country. "I am moved because she is studying here, which is part of the many things Mexico has given me."

The Cuban artist was also accredited as Director of Culture of the American Cultural Institute, "an appointment that enables him to develop the work of promoting cultural and artistic activities, as well as establishing good relations with authorities, members of the university, cultural and government circles, in order to promote actions in favor of education and culture at the national and international level and in support of our university community," according to the diploma signed by His Excellency Rubén Ángel Manríquez Salas, Rector of that institution.

The ceremony was also witnessed by Máximo Carvajal, president of the university court, and Loba Castañeda, former director of the Faculty of Law of UNAM, both members of the board of directors of the National Legion of Honor of Mexico, a civil organization whose objectives are to contribute to the progress and enhancement of Mexico, strengthen democratic institutions, aid the development of culture, and promote participation among its members, while seeking to become a consultative and participatory body that fosters rapprochement with other institutions that share the same ideals.

Influential newspapers of the Aztec nation highlighted, with extensive news coverage and images, the awarding of this new honor to Milanés, among these, Excélsior and El Heraldo de México. In statements to the latter, he affirmed that the Grand Cross represents a great commitment that translates into "working more and better."

In his remarks, Juan Carlos Sánchez praised Milanés' artistic career, of whom, he said, has created valuable works of important political and business leaders of the world, and also highlighted his artistic impact in Mexico, where his traces are found, alongside those of Armando Manzanero, in the Plaza de las Estrellas Gallery, in Mexico City, built in 1982 and considered equivalent to Hollywood's Walk of Fame, a place known as the Paseo de las Luminarias, where equally renowned figures such as María Félix, Roberto Gómez Bolaños, Juan Gabriel, and Chespirito, a Mexican actor, as well as playwright, writer, screenwriter, composer, singer, director, and television producer, creator and protagonist of the popular Mexican television comedy series El Chavo del Ocho, left imprinted the marks of their hands. Of these last two, he created busts for that honorific place, which were highlighted by local critics.

In tribute to his prolific artistic activity in Mexico, Milanés had been awarded the Lovers of Mexico prize, from the homonymous foundation; and the Golden Microphone, which was conferred upon him by the National Association of Radio Broadcasters "for his artistic trajectory in Mexico as a universal painter and sculptor"; he also holds three Honoris Causa titles awarded by the universities American Cultural Institute, which also conferred upon him the title of Doctor among Doctors; as well as by the Mexican Institute of Leaders of Excellence, and the National Academy of History and Geography (ANHG), sponsored since its origins by UNAM.

Works of his creation have been donated to important cultural institutions in Mexico, including the Soumaya and Emiliano Zapata museums, respectively.

The National Legion of Honor of Mexico, established in 1961, is responsible for recognizing and admitting to its ranks outstanding representatives of society, among whom are personalities from academia, law, justice, politics, and business. Among the new members stands out Senator Ifigenia Martínez, who congratulated all the recipients and emphasized that joining the Legion is an incentive to work for a better Mexico.