The city of Utrera (Seville) placed the monument dedicated to [unclear] in the Plaza de la Constitución on Saturday, March 28. Miguel Vargas Jimenez, popularly known as Kids, one of its most universal artists and a key figure in the evolution of flamencoThis event represents a new step forward in promoting Utrera's cultural heritage.
The event was attended by the artist's family, councilors from the Utrera City Council, and the national deputy Sol Guzmán and the musical accompaniment of the Vera-Cruz de Utrera Bugle and Drum Band.
The sculpture, made of bronze and standing 2,20 meters tall, is the work of the renowned sculptor from Écija. José Francisco Blasco RiveroRecently awarded the 2026 Bronze Medal at the Salon des Artistes Français in Paris, the piece depicts Bambino from a dynamic and emotional perspective, capturing his elegance, serenity, and stage presence. The ensemble is completed with a pedestal bearing the inscription "Eternal," underscoring the enduring nature of his artistic legacy.
The artist himself explained that his intention was to reflect the essence of the artist: “When I create, I don’t seek noise. I seek contained emotion, truth, beauty expressed with respect. And that is precisely the concept I wanted to capture from Bambino for this eternal memory.”
He also emphasized the meticulous creative process: “This work is a tribute to the entire life of Miguel Vargas Jiménez, and he deserved no less.” In this regard, he detailed the level of rigor involved in its execution: “I made the trousers three times. The jacket, twice. I worked on the lapel until the very last moment. I started the shirt again from scratch. I repeated the belt three times. And the position of the hands—I lost count. This wasn't a whim; it was a responsibility.”
Blasco Rivero emphasized that “when you sculpt someone who embodies the soul of the people, who is a living and eternal memory of the city of Utrera, you can't afford to rush.” He added that “every detail is there because respect is also shown in the smallest things.” Among those details, he highlighted elements such as the treatment of the fabrics, the buttons, the cufflinks, which reproduce the wheel of the Romani flag, and even the size of the artist's shoes.
"The piece represents Bambino from a dynamic and emotional perspective, capturing his elegance, serenity, and stage presence. The ensemble is completed with a pedestal bearing the inscription 'Eternal,' underscoring the enduring nature of his artistic legacy."
A long-awaited project that culminates the Year of the Bambino
During the event, the municipal delegate for Tourism, Maria Jose Garcia ArroyoHe noted that this is “a long-awaited project that, after almost two years of work and various difficulties, is finally seeing the light of day.” He also emphasized that this event marks the closing of the so-called Bambino Year, unanimously approved by the City Council.
She also highlighted the enrichment of the local heritage with “a work of great artistic value, the fruit of Blasco Rivero’s talent and sensitivity.” The municipal official especially thanked the artist’s family for their collaboration, as well as the sculptor, who “captured Bambino’s soul and essence with truth and authenticity.”
Along these lines, he congratulated the people of Utrera for incorporating into their cultural heritage "a unique piece, conceived for the enjoyment and pride of the people of Utrera."
For its part, Frasca VargasThe artist's niece thanked the Utrera City Council, on behalf of the family, for the effort made to make this tribute a reality.
Bambino, living history of Utrera
Born on Nueva Street in 1940, Bambino transformed the flamenco and the copla even giving rise to its own style known as "dramatic rumba". His unmistakable voice and interpretive ability made him a universal artist, performer of emblematic songs such as I am the forbidden., I like, Wall o I try to forget youHis career, especially outstanding in the 60s and 70s, took the name of Utrera to the main stages of the country.
The new work is part of a larger heritage collection dedicated to the artist, which includes the so-called Bambino Corner in the municipal cemetery, where he rests alongside his family and other renowned figures of the flamenco Utrera.
With this addition, the area connecting Parque del Muro with Plaza de la Constitución is consolidated as a cultural and tourist landmark, forming an authentic flamenco route that, in the words of the delegate, “speaks of our history and brings together figures such as Fernanda and Bernarda de Utrera, Perrate or Enrique Montoya".
The ceremony concluded by noting that “this new statue is not just a tribute, it is not only about remembering an artist, but about recognizing what he represents for the identity of a people and for the history of the flamencoAfterwards, verses from the song were read. I try to forget you. ♦
