On the evening of October 16, the historic Santonja Palace, located in the heart of Madrid’s literary quarter, became the focal point for all of Spanish high society. The annual ELLE x Hope charity gala, organized by the renowned magazine with the support of CaixaBank and other partners, took place here. The event was timed to coincide with the World Breast Cancer Day, celebrated on October 19, with the main goal of raising funds for the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC).
The evening’s atmosphere was filled with symbolism. Pink, which has become the international symbol of this fight, dominated everything—from the elegant outfits of the guests to the sophisticated décor of the hall. The tables were adorned with delicate floral arrangements in pink and red hues, while the pink tablecloths and special details at each place setting created a sense of unity and shared purpose. Every element of the décor spoke of hope and solidarity, uniting everyone present that evening.
Without a doubt, the driving force behind the event was the people themselves. Leading figures from the worlds of culture, fashion, and show business gathered to support this important initiative. Among the guests were Isabel Jiménez, Duleida, Esther Cañadas, Nena Daconte, Tamara Gorro, and Eva González. Their looks, predominantly in shades of pink, were not just a tribute to the dress code but made a bold statement of their commitment to the cause.
This year, the gala evening took on a special, deeper significance. Many still vividly remember last year’s event, when television presenter Sara Carbonero spoke publicly and candidly for the first time about her personal battle with cancer. Her words about years of uncertainty, fear, and resilience made a strong impression and sparked a wave of empathy. This evening continued that important conversation, serving as a reminder that there is still a long road ahead: awareness needs to be raised, funding attracted, and scientific research supported.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the ELLE Hope Awards—symbolic pink teddy bears awarded to individuals and organizations for their contributions to the fight against cancer. Inside the Palacio de Santoña, there was a unique blend of solemnity and warmth: subdued laughter, heartfelt embraces, and looks full of empathy. For everyone gathered, this evening became something more than just a social event. It became a symbol that the pink ribbon is not just an annual campaign, but a promise—a ‘window of hope’ for all those who continue their fight every day.
