All eyes (at least all Spanish eyes) were on Oviedo today as the annual Prince of Asturias Awards were celebrated here.
[Wikipedia says: The Prince of Asturias Awards (Spanish: Premios Príncipe de Asturias, Asturian: Premios Príncipe d'Asturies) is a series of prestigious annual prizes given in Spain by the Fundación Príncipe de Asturias to individuals, entities, organizations or others from around the world who make notable achievements in the sciences, humanities, or public affairs. The awards are presented in Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias at a ceremony presided by Felipe, Prince of Asturias. The Prince of Asturias Awards were established in 1981. A sculpture expressly created by Spanish sculptor Joan Miró is presented to the yearly recipients.]
It was a beautiful day and so Mateo and I went into Oviedo for an early afternoon walk through the city, an outing which I am quite sure will be one of the highlights of the season for us. It was sensational. We weaved our way through the heart of the old town, which was a'buzz with celebration and palpable excitement for the impending appearance of the Queen, Prince and Princess of Spain, as well as the likes of Rafael Nadal, Ingrid Betancourt, Margaret Atwood and the rest of this year's prize recipients. The cobbled streets were filled with people of all ages, gathering to watch and listen to the sea of bagpipers and traditional dance troupes that painted what seemed like every street corner and plaza, their familiar Asturian drum beats and castanets dancing. There were flags of all nations strung between the beautiful buildings and houses lining the main street in the heart of the city. People filled all of the sidewalk cafes and streamed out into the street crowds. It seemed like everyone wanted to be a part of the movement and music-making in the streets. The stone buildings of the old town turned to gold in the autumn light. It was stunning. It felt like the entire city was alive and happy. And terribly proud of being Asturian. What a gift to be a part of it!
City Hall
A view of the Cathedral (where B and I were married)
One of Oviedo's many plazas (above) and the sidewalk along San Francisco Park, one of the places where our walk took us
The streets of Oviedo 
A view of the doors to Teatro Campoamor, where the ceremony is held, surrounded by crowds of bagpipers, dance troupes, fans, etc.
Mario and grandson watching the ceremony on television later that evening. (Yes, Mateo looks surprisingly engaged by the televised event.)
2 comments:
So beautiful! I could feel the excitement of the festivities. No wonder you are so comfortable there...you two are the origianl music makers! Oviedo is on our bucket list! But next time, could you put Mateo in more of the photos? Love, the Stockmans
What gorgeous photos (...Bernardo?)
of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And what beautiful descriptions, Alex. You do know what Gram would be saying to you right now, don't you? No, I think that she would probably be saying that you three are just perfect, right where you are, doing exactly what you are doing. Love, mom
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