Summary
- enrique Fernández Valdés, “Quique,” president of the Centro Asturiano de Torrevieja, recently visited his hometown Morcín.
- He was accompanied by key members of the Centro Asturiano to discuss DecemberS Santa Bárbara festivities.
- Santa Bárbara is the patron saint of miners, and this year’s events will pay tribute to Morcín.
- Quique, born in El Acebal, has strong ties to both Morcín and Torrevieja, having lived in both for decades.
- The visit included stops at Morcín’s town Hall and the Ethnographic Museum of La Lechería.
Enrique Fernández Valdés Brings Centro Asturiano Celebrations to His Hometown Morcín
Enrique Fernández Valdés, known as “Quique,” the dedicated president of the Centro Asturiano de Torrevieja, made a heartfelt return visit to his roots in the Asturian concejo of Morcín. Accompanied by prominent members of his board, the delegation’s visit aimed to announce and prepare for the December festivities honoring Santa Bárbara, the patron saint of miners, wiht special tributes to Morcín – a place deeply meaningful to Quique and many others connected to Asturias’ mining heritage.
Who Is Enrique Fernández Valdés?
Born in 1956 in El Acebal, a parish within La Foz de Morcín, Quique has a lifelong connection to his homeland.interestingly, his birth year coincides with the founding of the “Hermandad de La Probe,” a society were he later served as secretary in the early 1980s.
- Spent first 25 years living in El Acebal.
- Moved to Torrevieja in 1981 with his parents.
- Co-founded the Centro Asturiano de Torrevieja in 1983.
- Known for promoting customary Asturian culture, including popular regional sports like la cuatreada.
December Festivities and Santa Bárbara Tribute
The upcoming events in December are designed to celebrate Santa Bárbara, the protector of miners, reflecting Asturias’ deep mining traditions and culture. This year’s celebrations will have a special focus on Morcín,recognizing its contribution and heritage within the mining community.
- Organized by the Centro Asturiano de Torrevieja.
- Includes cultural ceremonies, honoring local traditions.
- Expected participation from both Torrevieja and Morcín representatives.
The Visit to Morcín: Key Highlights
During their visit, Quique and his team met with officials at Morcín’s Town Hall and toured the Ethnographic Museum of La Lechería, immersing themselves in local history and paying respect to the community’s roots.
| Visitor | Role | Connection to Morcín |
|---|---|---|
| Enrique Fernández Valdés | President, Centro Asturiano de Torrevieja | Born in El Acebal, Morcín |
| Pedro Busta | Vice President | Centro Asturiano de Torrevieja |
| José Antonio Fernández | Board Member | Centro asturiano de Torrevieja |
| Luis Pereda | Board Member | Centro asturiano de Torrevieja |
Bridging Communities: From Asturias to Torrevieja
Quique’s story is a remarkable example of cultural preservation and community building across regions. After moving south to Torrevieja in 1981, he remained deeply connected to his Asturian roots by founding and leading the Centro Asturiano, which serves as a cultural hub for Asturian migrants and descendants in the coastal town.
Fun Fact: A Passion for Regional Sports
Quique’s involvement does not end with cultural events. He also learned to play “la cuatreada,” a traditional Asturian bowling game, contributing to the establishment of a bowling alley in Torrevieja shortly after the foundation of the Centro Asturiano.
Why These Celebrations Matter
Santa Bárbara festivals are not only a chance to honor patron saints but celebrate the shared identity, history, and sacrifice of mining communities. For Morcín, a concejo with a rich mining past, such recognition helps keep traditions alive and strengthens bonds with the wider Asturian diaspora, including those living far from the north like in Torrevieja.
What to Expect This December
- Traditional music and dances celebrating Asturian culture
- Honors and ceremonies for Santa Bárbara
- Special tributes to Morcín’s mining community
- Gatherings of locals and diaspora for cultural exchange
For anyone interested in Asturian heritage or mining history, these upcoming events offer a unique window into an enduring regional identity. Keep an eye on the Centro Asturiano de Torrevieja’s announcements for specific dates and programming details.
Sources: