Oviedo Receives Torrevieja Delegation and Corte salinera During San Mateo Festivities
- mayor Alfredo Canteli and Councillor Covadonga Díaz received Torrevieja’s civic delegation and the Corte Salinera in oviedo’s plenary hall.
- The delegation included Torrevieja’s first deputy mayor Rosario Martínez and the city’s festival councillor Concha Sala, along with the Corte Salinera: Nuría Martí, Inés Martínez and Ana Vidal.
- Guests attended the 73rd Desfile del Día de América en Asturias later that day.
- Canteli highlighted the long-standing affection between sister cities Oviedo and Torrevieja and defended his model for the San Mateo festivities.
- Torrevieja’s representative stressed the importance of continuing the tradition of bringing the Corte Salinera to Oviedo.
Introduction
Oviedo opened its plenary hall on Friday morning to welcome a visiting delegation from Torrevieja, strengthening the ties between the two sister cities and celebrating the San Mateo festivities. The official reception and subsequent attendance at the city’s 73rd Desfile del Día de América en Asturias underscored the cultural bond and shared traditions between communities.
Official Reception in Oviedo’s Plenary Hall
Mayor Alfredo Canteli and Councillor of Festivities Covadonga Díaz hosted representatives from Torrevieja in an official ceremony. the Torrevieja delegation was led by first Deputy Mayor Rosario Martínez and councillor of Festivities concha Sala,accompanied by Torrevieja’s Corte Salinera: Nuría Martí,Inés Martínez and Ana Vidal.
| Role | Name | City |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Alfredo Canteli | oviedo |
| Councillor of Festivities | Covadonga Díaz | Oviedo |
| First Deputy Mayor | Rosario martínez | Torrevieja |
| Corte salinera | N. Martí, I.Martínez, A.Vidal | Torrevieja |
Attendance at the 73rd Día de América Parade
After the reception, the Torrevieja delegation followed the 73rd Desfile del Día de América en Asturias “very closely,” taking part in one of the festival’s central events. Also present from Oviedo’s court was San Mateo 2025’s Queen Sdenka Ojeda and her attendant Alba Jiménez Gabarri,reflecting strong local involvement in the celebrations.
What leaders said
- Alfredo canteli emphasized the deep affection between Oviedo and Torrevieja: “the enormous love that both cities have for each other for many years.” He invited visitors and critics alike to experience the San Mateo festivities firsthand, defending his administration’s model for the festival: “Possibly they are festivals different from those some want, but this is the model of Alfredo Canteli and his team and it will be maintained.”
- Rosario Martínez described the visit as “very vital” for Torrevieja and highlighted the significance of returning the annual tradition of bringing the Corte Salinera to Oviedo: “We have resumed this tradition and I hope it stays for a long time.”
Why this visit matters
This exchange serves multiple purposes:
- reinforcing sister-city ties between Oviedo and Torrevieja through cultural diplomacy.
- Promoting regional festivals like San Mateo and the Día de América parade, which bring communities together.
- Supporting traditions such as Torrevieja’s corte Salinera participating in historic festivities in other cities.
Key takeaways for residents and visitors
- If you haven’t attended San Mateo recently, the mayor encourages you to visit and form your own opinion.
- The presence of delegations like Torrevieja’s highlights the growing importance of inter-city cultural exchange.
- Local traditions are being maintained while adapting to new formats-something administrators from both cities publicly support.
Photos, follow-up and future plans
While the city did not outline a detailed follow-up schedule during the reception, both mayoral teams expressed a willingness to continue cultural collaboration. Observers expect future visits and shared events that will keep the sister-city relationship active and visible during major local festivals.
Sources and Credits
Report based on coverage by La Nueva España:
- La Nueva España – https://www.lne.es/oviedo/2025/09/20/alcalde-recibe-ayuntamiento-corte-salinera-121785839.html
Photo credits: official municipal sources (where applicable).

