Traditional Costumes and Festivals of Asturias

Hello!

Today I’m going to introduce you to my home region, Asturias, which is located in the north of Spain. Asturias is famous for its incredible green landscapes, beautiful mountains, delicious food, and, of course, its rich traditions. In this vlog, I’m going to talk about two of the most important parts of Asturian culture: the traditional costumes and the festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. Let’s begin with the traditional Asturian costumes. These clothes are mainly worn during festivals, religious celebrations, and cultural events. They are a symbol of our identity and help keep our traditions alive. Women’s traditional clothing is elegant and colourful. It usually includes a long skirt, a white blouse, a decorative apron, a shawl, and a headscarf. They often wear jewellery and comfortable black shoes to complete the outfit.
Men usually wear dark trousers, a white shirt, a waistcoat, a sash tied around the waist, and a traditional hat called the montera picona. In the past, these clothes were part of everyday life, especially in rural areas, but today they are mostly worn during celebrations.

Traditional music is also a very important part of Asturian culture. The most famous instrument is the Asturian bagpipe. It is usually accompanied by a drum, and together they create the music for traditional dances.

Now, let’s talk about the festivals. One of the most important celebrations is Asturias Day, which takes place every year on September 8th. This day celebrates the culture and identity of Asturias. The main events include traditional music concerts, folk dances, religious ceremonies, parades, and markets where visitors can buy handmade crafts and local products. Another famous celebration is the Natural Cider Festival in Gijón. Asturias is internationally known for its cider, and during this festival thousands of people gather to enjoy it. One of the most interesting traditions is called escanciar, which is the special way of pouring cider from a bottle held above the head into a glass held near the knees. There are also concerts, competitions, cultural activities… Another very popular festival is Descenso Internacional del Sella, held every August between Arriondas and Ribadesella. It is an international canoe race that attracts athletes from many different countries.

Personally, I think these traditions make Asturias a unique place. They show our history, our pride, and our strong connection with our culture. Even young people continue to participate in these celebrations, which helps keep our traditions alive for the future. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Asturias, I highly recommend coming during one of these festivals. You will discover wonderful traditions, taste delicious food, meet friendly people, and experience the true spirit of Asturias.

Goodbye!