Oviedo Mayor Alfredo Canteli Defends san Mateo 2025 Festival Model
- Alfredo Canteli says the San Mateo 2025 festival model ”will be maintained”.
- The mayor defended the program while welcoming a sister-city delegation from Torrevieja.
- Canteli described Oviedo as busy and lively during the fiestas, countering critics who call the events a failure.
- The Torrevieja delegation is invited to attend the Desfile del Día de América en Asturias.
Introductory: The mayor of Oviedo,Alfredo Canteli,publicly defended the city’s San Mateo 2025 festival model and reiterated his commitment to keep it in place. Speaking during a welcome ceremony for a visiting delegation from Oviedo’s sister city Torrevieja, Canteli stressed that while the festivities may differ from what some expect, they reflect his administration’s vision.
What Mayor Canteli said
During the reception for the visiting delegation – including members of Torrevieja’s ”Corte Salinera” – Canteli said, translated from his remarks in Spanish, that “it will be maintained” when referring to the model for San Mateo 2025. He added: “Possibly these will be festivities different from those that some want, but this is the model of Alfredo Canteli, of Alfredo Canteli’s team.”
The mayor invited the Torrevieja delegation to attend the Desfile del Día de América en Asturias (Parade for the Day of the Americas in Asturias) together with the local municipal corporation, underlining the ties between the two cities during the local celebrations.
Mayor’s view of turnout and local reaction
- Canteli pointed out that Oviedo is “full of people” during the fiestas and shared anecdotes of crowded cultural venues.
- He described leaving the theater and having difficulty crossing to the statue/area known as “El mono que lee” due to the crowds.
- Responding to critics who have labelled the festivities a failure, canteli suggested they shoudl visit the events before judging, noting reports that some venues were completely full.
Key quotes
- “It is going to be maintained.” – On the San Mateo 2025 festival model.
- “Possibly these will be festivities different from those that some want, but this is the model of Alfredo Canteli.” – On criticisms and style of the fiestas.
- “We are in full fiestas, enjoy Oviedo.” – Welcoming the Torrevieja delegation.
Context: San Mateo 2025 and community response
San mateo is Oviedo’s traditional local festival, and any shift in programming or association draws attention from residents, associations and local media. Canteli’s public defense indicates that the city administration intends to continue with the current plan for 2025, despite voices calling for different programming or formats.
What attendees can expect (quick checklist)
- official municipal events and parades, including the Desfile del Día de América en Asturias.
- Cultural programs in theaters and public spaces that drew large crowds during opening days.
- Opportunities to meet delegations from sister cities such as Torrevieja.
Event snapshot
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Festival | San Mateo 2025 |
| Mayor | Alfredo Canteli |
| Status | Model will be maintained |
| Notable visitor | Delegation from torrevieja |
Why this matters
Local festivals like San Mateo are central to Oviedo’s cultural calendar and economy. Decisions about programming affect residents, performers, businesses and visiting tourists. The mayor’s insistence on maintaining the current model signals continuity in municipal cultural policy for 2025 and suggests the administration values the current direction despite debate.
Conclusion
Mayor Alfredo Canteli’s public defense of the San Mateo 2025 model and his invitation to sister-city guests show the municipal government is committed to its chosen approach for the fiestas. with crowded streets and full venues, Canteli used the welcome event to counter critiques and to encourage locals and visitors to enjoy Oviedo’s festivities.
Source credit: GenteDigital (reporting from Europa Press). Read the original article: http://www.gentedigital.es/oviedo/noticia/4155801/canteli-defiende-el-modelo-de-san-mateo-y-asegura-que-se-va-a-mantener/

