Summary
- Asturian community in Torrevieja celebrates the Fiesta de Covadonga with tradition and cultural pride.
- Iñaki Isidro Sánchez delivers a heartfelt opening speech urging younger generations to embrace their Asturian heritage.
- Key events include a procession honoring the Virgin of Covadonga, conventional music by local Asturian groups, and a folkloric festival.
- Community activities highlight the strong connection between Asturian identity and the vibrant life of Torrevieja.
- Emphasis on passing down cultural values such as courage, education, and energy through new generations.
Asturian Community in Torrevieja Celebrates Their Annual Fiesta de Covadonga with Passion and Tradition
Every year,the Asturian community in Torrevieja,a coastal city in Alicante,comes together to celebrate the Fiesta de Covadonga – a vibrant homage to Asturias’ patron saint,the Virgin of covadonga. This year’s festivities, held mainly on September 6th and 7th, were filled with music, tradition, and heartfelt speeches reflecting the pride and spirit of asturias abroad.
Inspiring Words from Local Communicator Iñaki Isidro Sánchez
Iñaki Isidro Sánchez, a beloved local broadcaster with deep ties to the community since 1987 and the director of the popular “Onda Azul” radio station, was the voice of the event’s opening speech. Born in Irún but a devoted Asturian by heart, Sánchez urged younger generations of people with Asturian roots in Torrevieja to embrace their heritage beyond just enjoying traditional dishes like fabada.
“you are an example of values and education, which are becoming rare nowadays. I encourage all Asturians to proudly proclaim who they are: people full of energy, strength, courage, and good manners,” Sánchez stated during his speech. He also expressed hope that descendants of Asturians will return to the Centro Asturiano and keep the community thriving.
Traditional Procession and Festivities: A Day Full of Culture
The next day, on September 7th, the community gathered for a procession in honor of La Santina (virgin of Covadonga). Starting at 10:30 AM, the faithful walked from the Centro Asturiano to the Church of San Roque, accompanied by the stirring sounds of bagpipes and drums performed by the group L’Estruendu from Alicante.
| Event | time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Procession Departure | 10:30 AM | March from Centro Asturiano to San Roque church with traditional Asturian music |
| Mass | 11:00 AM | Celebration of the catholic mass dedicated to the Virgin of Covadonga |
| Return Procession | 12:30 PM | Procession back to Centro Asturiano,accompanied by local authorities and music group |
| Community Meal | 2:30 PM | Traditional “comida de hermandad” at El Huertano restaurant |
| Folkloric Festival | 8:00 PM | Music,dance performances and theater at Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen |
Culture on Display: Music,Dance,and Theater
The folkloric festival at the end of the day showcased the artistic richness of the Asturian community. the Agrupación artística Gijonesa presented traditional dance performances led by Paula Álvarez Cueto, while notable performers such as goyo Suárez, Gonzalo anátolé, Emilio Dorado, and others took the stage.
The theater group “Gigia,” directed by Mery Suárez, also entertained attendees with two plays: Ludivina la adivina and Forofo, blending humor and tradition to highlight Asturias’ cultural flair.
Asturians’ Vital Role in Torrevieja’s Cultural Landscape
The Asturian community does not only preserve its traditions privately; it actively enriches the social life of Torrevieja. As Sánchez noted,”Who can imagine the floral offering to the Immaculate Conception,patroness of Torrevieja,without the sound of bagpipes? It just wouldn’t be the same.”
This connection underscores how deeply Asturian culture is woven into the fabric of local festivities, blending regional pride with the spirit of the city.
Looking Forward: Preserving Asturian Heritage in Spain’s Mediterranean Coast
The heartfelt message from Sánchez carries a call to action: to keep Asturian traditions alive by involving the youth and passing on core values – courage, education, and resilience – to future generations. As the community gathers each year to remember their roots, they also build a vibrant bridge between Asturias and the Mediterranean coast.
For those with Asturian ancestry living in Torrevieja or nearby, the Centro Asturiano continues to be a hub of culture, friendship, and shared identity.
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