Paco Blay, historian and former Alcoy councilor, dies at 79

Paco Blay, a prominent historian, professor, writer, and former city councilor, has passed away at the age of 79. Although born in Sueca, Blay spent much of his professional and personal life in Alcoy, where he became a significant figure in the city's cultural and political landscape.

Blay served as a teacher at IES Pare Vitòria for nearly three decades. As a historian, his research focused heavily on Valencian humanism and the figure of Luis Vives. He was an active member of the Centre Alcoià d’Estudis Històrics i Arqueològics (CAEHA), contributing to numerous research and dissemination projects.

In the political sphere, Blay served three terms as a councilor for the Bloc Nacionalista Valencià between 2003 and 2015, marking the first time the party gained representation in the Alcoy City Council. His contributions to local culture and history were recognized in 2023 when he received the Premi 9 d’Octubre.