A marked day for Asturians

Hello,

The 8th of September every year is a special day for Asturians, as on that day we celebrate the day of our autonomous community, coinciding with the commemoration of the victory of the Asturians in Covadonga back in the 8th century over the Muslims who at that time practically occupied what is now Spain or what was known as al-Andalus.

But in the 21st century, life has changed a lot and in the west of Asturias, in a small village called Porcia, in a forest of poplars and chestnut trees, thousands of people gather every year for a day of festivities and fun.

The tradition for more than 30 years has been that the inhabitants of Tapia de Casariego and La Caridad, the capitals of the councils bordering Porcia, go on a pilgrimage of about 7 kilometres walking to Porcia through the different villages that link these council capitals of Porcia.

In this popular tradition, the different groups of friends usually wear commemorative T-shirts in which they refer to some event that happened during the year with a touch of humour or they print some phrase or drawings that attract attention.

In my case, our supporters club has been wearing the same T-shirt since 2012.

On this T-shirt we have drawn some spermatozoa on the front with the phrase: In Porcia since you are born....

And on the back... Until you stop. A phrase that means until you can't go any further. On which is drawn a bottle of cider with a spermatozoid smoking, as in this type of party alcohol is usually abundant and other excesses as well.

During the route, there is plenty of music and a good atmosphere, and it is not unusual to see children from a very young age taking part in the party.

During the route, it is traditional to make a few stops in bars along the way and there we concentrate there to sing and drink some beer, vermouth or wine. Although, in our backpacks there is usually enough to drink.

Preparing your rucksack for the route and the day of the fiesta is a ritual, because you have to take enough food and drink for the whole day.

If the day is sunny it is important to wear a hat. In my case I have a striking fuchsia hat that I bought 3 years ago on this festival and since then it has been my travelling companion.

But the most important thing about this celebration is to be able to share it with the most special friends I have.

Enjoying the live music in the field of the party that during the whole day and part of the night is playing music of all musical genres.

It is fun to see that in this transgenerational party there are entire families with tables and chairs that allow the older ones to enjoy the party without the hassle of having to eat sitting on the ground.

Just as it is fun to come across acquaintances who are serious on a day-to-day basis, but at this party they dress up in the most flamboyant way possible with the idea of having a good time and showing others a good time, as is the case with Abel.

In my case, as I still consider myself young, like my friend Eduardo, the easiest thing to do at lunchtime is to spread out our empanadas and sandwiches to eat them in the shade of a tree.

With the arrival of the afternoon and after lunch the music returns again, by that time the beers we have with us are usually warm and we usually resort to buying them in some of the street bars in the vicinity of the main stage.

As Asturias is a region with a lot of rain, it is not unusual for a brilliant day to turn into a rainy day, especially in September when storms abound. So there can be a stampede of people leaving and that's when you realise how much rubbish there is littered around the festival grounds. That's my least favourite part of the festival.

My entry to #pobphotocontest: Trash

But if the rain is not too much and the body can take it, the night party is for me even better than the day one. The cumbias, merengues and pop music give way to rock music, which is the music I like the most.

Without a doubt, every 8th of September is marked in my calendar to enjoy this party with my friends.

Best regards.