Oviedo 2031 receives the 2026 Friend of Gascona Award during the Preba de la Sidra

Oviedo’s bid to become European Capital of Culture 2031 received the 2026 Friend of Gascona Award this Sunday, a distinction presented during the XXVI Preba de la Sidra, one of the most emblematic celebrations of Asturian cider culture.
The award recognises the cultural promotion work being carried out by the bid and its contribution to positioning Oviedo and Asturias within the European cultural landscape.

During the ceremony, the connection between cider culture and the principles that inspire the Oviedo 2031 project was highlighted. It was also recalled that Amabilidá, the concept that underpins the bid, is not simply about courtesy or good manners, but rather a way of understanding coexistence based on listening, dialogue and empathy.

The bid promotes Amabilidá as a response to growing polarisation, hate speech, individualism and indifference, reclaiming the humanist values that underpin democratic societies and the shared European project. It was also emphasised that Asturian cider culture embodies many of these values. Around a bottle of cider, spaces for encounter, conversation and coexistence are created, forming part of Asturias’ cultural identity and a way of relating to others based on sharing.

The award ceremony took place during the XXVI Preba de la Sidra, a festival declared a Regional Tourist Interest Event, which this year brought together 17 Asturian cider producers and continues working towards recognition as a National Tourist Interest Festival. The 2026 edition also expanded its programme to a full week of cultural, gastronomic and musical activities centred on cider and Asturian heritage.