Asturians Abroad Rally Behind Oviedo 2031 in a Landmark Event in Madrid

Asturians living outside the region showed their strong support on Wednesday for Oviedo’s bid to become European Capital of Culture 2031, during a major event held at Madrid’s Movistar Arena under the title “Asturias Capital.” The gathering, organised by LA NUEVA ESPAÑA through its new channel Asturias Exterior, brought together prominent Asturians based in Madrid as well as many attendees who travelled from the Principality, in a meeting that celebrated the strength and talent of the Asturian diaspora.

Ainhoa Moll, Deputy to the Presidency and Editorial Director at Prensa Ibérica, highlighted the alignment between Oviedo’s candidacy and the Asturias Exterior initiative—two projects united by the ambition to project Asturias “higher and further.” Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, took part in his capacity as “Nuncio of Oviedo,” underscoring the vibrant cultural character and forward-looking spirit of the city.

During the event, Ángeles Rivero, General Director of Prensa Ibérica for Asturias and Castilla y León, officially presented Asturias Exterior, a channel created to connect the nearly 300,000 Asturians living beyond the region’s borders—what she described as “Asturias’ 79th municipality.”

Oviedo’s mayor, Alfredo Canteli, stressed that the 2031 bid is “a unique opportunity” and a project that, although born in Oviedo, belongs to all of Asturias, both within and beyond its borders. Rodolfo Sánchez and Natalia Álvarez Simó, director and artistic director of Oviedo 2031, also spoke, emphasising the importance of territorial consensus and the key role of the diaspora as a natural ambassador for the project, as well as the boost this candidacy represents for the international projection of Asturias’ cultural sector.

The event made clear that enthusiasm for Oviedo 2031 extends far beyond the region itself, and that the Asturian community abroad will be a decisive ally on this path toward Europe.