The First Pilgrim. Oviedo
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Oviedo/Uvíéu
For four days, the Cathedral Square and the historic centre are transformed into ancient Ovetao, bringing the monarch’s era back to life with a wide-ranging programme of activities for all ages.
All the activities at ‘El Primer Peregrino’ are free of charge.
🛍️ Primitive Asturias Market
As one of the major new features of this year’s event, the Plaza de Alfonso II el Casto (Plaza de la Catedral) will host the Asturias Primitiva Market, a space dedicated to the culture, tradition, heritage, gastronomy and crafts of the St James’ routes that cross Asturias.
Opening hours:
- Thursday 9th: 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
- Friday 10th and Saturday 11th: 11.30 am to 9.00 pm.
- Sunday 12th: from 11.30 am to 8.00 pm.
⚔️ A journey to medieval Oviedo
The programme includes:
- Historical re-enactments.
- Medieval village.
- Dramatised tours of Oviedo in the time of King Alfonso.
- Craft workshops and ‘Little Pilgrims’.
- Traditional games and children’s activities.
- Concerts.
- Alfonsine Pilgrimage.
As a prelude to the festival, on Thursday 9th the official launch will take place at the Asturias Museum of Fine Arts (6.00 pm), followed by a concert by Un de Grao Trío in the Plaza de la Catedral (7.00 pm).
🎭 The grand show
The highlight will take place on Saturday 11 July at 10.00 pm, with the grand theatrical performance of *El Primer Peregrino*, which recreates Alfonso II’s journey to Compostela in a spectacular open-air production in the Plaza de la Catedral.
The festival will conclude on Sunday with the traditional Farewell to the King, from the balcony of the Town Hall. Afterwards, the royal procession will ride on horseback through the streets of the city centre to the Plaza de la Catedral, where the Romería Alfonsina will take place, featuring live music and the traditional bollos preñaos as the grand finale to the celebrations.
🌽 Tortos del Camino Gastronomic Festival (3– 12 July)
Gastronomy also forms part of El Primer Peregrino. From 3 to 12 July, a selection of establishments in Oviedo will offer special menus as part of the Tortos del Camino Gastronomic Festival Tortos del Camino, an initiative that showcases one of the most iconic products of Asturian cuisine.
