Consternation has gripped Santa Pola following the death of Rafael Bonmatí Ferrández, the town's official graphic chronicler and a key figure in its visual memory. Bonmatí, popularly known as Rafael «Carteta», passed away at 81 due to a serious illness that tragically ended his life in just a few months.

His legacy includes thousands of photographs and recordings collected since the sixties, documenting the cultural, festive, and daily life of Santa Pola. This valuable archive, diligently preserved in his home, captures significant events from the town's recent history.

Bonmatí was officially appointed Official Graphic Chronicler of the Villa de Santa Pola on October 9, 2023, an honor recognizing a role he had already fulfilled for years. His professional career was diverse, including managing a grocery store, working at the Military Maritime Authority, Caja Rural de Bonanza, Hotel Polamar, and Inmobiliaria Portus.

His involvement in the public life of Santa Pola was significant. He served as a councilor on the City Council during the 1995-1999 term, was president of the Moros y Cristianos association, the patron saint festival's herald in 2012, and an active member of various cultural groups. Until recently, he was often seen with his camera, capturing local events.

The mayor of Santa Pola, Loreto Serrano, expressed her condolences to the family, highlighting Bonmatí's profound personal and cultural impact. She emphasized his commitment to the town, its traditions, and its history, noting that «Rafa was a man glued to his camera» and that the town will be «eternally grateful» for preserving its collective image.

Serrano summarized his legacy with moving words: «You have been our memory», acknowledging Bonmatí's contribution to preserving the image and history of Santa Pola.