Colombres, capital of the municipality of Ribadedeva, could have become an important city if the intentions of its most illustrious citizens had continued. Its Indian legacy, one of the most notable in the entire Cantabrian Sea, earned it the title of Exemplary Town of Asturias. Furthermore, this town is listed as a whole as Well of Cultural Interest. The Indianos Archive – Museum of Emigration of the town, the best exponent of this type of architecture, inside we can learn in depth about the Asturian emigration, discover a thousand and one stories from overseas. The house where the archive is located was built by Iñigo Noriega Laso, who was an emigrant to Mexico, who returned to his homeland loaded with money and with the intention of building a large stately compound in which his fortune would be recorded. The building dates back to 1906 and is named after Quinta Guadalupe in honor of the founder's wife.
Archives of Indians
The Asturian emigration to America at the end of the XNUMXth century and the beginning of the XNUMXth century was quite a ... Read more
What is the Indian Fair
The Colombres Indian Fair recreates this entire universe of emigration, including Indian traditions, music, fashion and gastronomy, and has been declared Festival of Tourist Interest of the Principality of Asturias. For a full weekend in mid-July, this entire colonial past is relived with an extensive program of conferences, exhibitions and workshops, guided tours of local heritage, plays, children's entertainment, habaneras, choirs and other musical performances. .
It all begins with the proclamation and a inaugural parade where Indian costumes abound, some of them original from the time. The parade is usually led by some classic automobile from those years.
The central town hall square (Plaza de Manuel Ibáñez Posada, I Conde de Ribadedeva) acts as the epicenter of the fair with craft and gastronomy stalls. A market genuine with overseas goods and goods. The plaza of the church of Santa María de Colombres and the gardens of the Archivo de Indianos are other recurring settings of the fair.
These are some of the most anticipated events in Colombres and also one of the most colorful of the Asturian summer. The event combines this great atmosphere with all kinds of cultural and recreational events. A total immersion in the Indian culture to enhance it, thanks to the participation of the residents of Ribadedeva, whose involvement is vital for the success of the fair. They are in charge of decorating the streets with the Creole spirit and accommodating everything to the demands of each edition, since Each year it is dedicated to a different American country.
Everyone dresses for the occasion and leaves their homes with the intention of turning into a party what was once a reality, thus being accomplices of those ancestors (those who made a fortune and those who did not) who had to emigrate to achieve a fortune. better life, forging their own destiny and returning to tell it and to improve the lives of their families and friends.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
