Belén Cobos, a resident of Reus, Tarragona, celebrated her 108th birthday with family and friends. Born in Córdoba in 1918, her son Alfonso Cobos believes her remarkable longevity merits scientific study.
Cobos' family gathered at a party hall in Reus for a special afternoon tea to honour the occasion. Her son, Alfonso, travelled from Brazil specifically to see his mother blow out the candles, a tradition he maintains annually. He described his mother as having "very good genetics" and leading "a very active lifestyle."
A Life of Work and Travel
Belén Cobos moved to Barcelona after the Spanish Civil War, later spending time in São Paulo, Brazil, before settling permanently in Reus, the capital of Baix Camp. She worked as a cleaner for a supermarket supply company until her retirement, many years ago.
Her family states that Cobos has not followed any special diet or health regime throughout her life. "It's genetics. That's it. She has lived eating like anyone else, nothing special," a family member explained. She has not experienced any serious illnesses or significant health issues, according to her son. Cobos currently lives in a residential care home, where she is reportedly treated "very well."
Catalonia's Centenarians
Despite some hearing difficulties, Cobos remains energetic and engaged, answering questions during her birthday celebration. "I am well, happy and getting older every time," she told her family. Her wish for the coming year is to win the lottery, a game she regularly plays.
According to IDESCAT, Catalonia registered 3,139 people over 100 years old at the end of the first quarter of 2026. Of these, 534 were men and 2,605 were women. Belén Cobos is among the most long-lived individuals in the region, and her family plans another celebration for her 109th birthday in May 2027.
