Colombres, the capital of the municipality of Ribadedeva, could have become a major city had the aspirations of its most illustrious citizens been fulfilled. Its legacy of emigrants returning from the Americas, one of the most remarkable in the entire Cantabrian region, earned it the title of Exemplary Town of Asturias in 2015. Furthermore, the town as a whole is listed as a Site of Cultural Interest . The Indianos Archive – Museum of Emigration , the finest example of this type of architecture, offers an in-depth look at Asturian emigration and reveals countless stories from overseas. The house that houses the archive was built by Iñigo Noriega Laso, an emigrant to Mexico, who returned to his homeland laden with money and with the intention of constructing a grand estate to showcase his wealth. The building dates from 1906 and is named Quinta Guadalupe in honor of the founder's wife.
Archives of Indians
Asturian emigration to America at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries was quite a phenomenon … Read more
What is the Indian Fair
The Indianos Fair in Colombres recreates the entire world of emigration, including traditions, music, fashion, and cuisine from the Americas, and has been declared a Festival of Tourist Interest of the Principality of Asturias . For a full weekend in mid-July, this colonial past is brought to life with a wide-ranging program of lectures, exhibitions and workshops, guided tours of local heritage sites, plays, children's entertainment, habaneras, choral performances, and other musical acts.
It all begins with the opening proclamation and a parade featuring a profusion of traditional Indian costumes, some of them original to the period. The procession is often led by a classic car from that era.
The central town hall square (Plaza de Manuel Ibáñez Posada, I Conde de Ribadedeva) serves as the epicenter of the fair, with craft and food stalls. It's a genuine market featuring produce and goods from overseas. The square in front of the Church of Santa María de Colombres and the gardens of the Archivo de Indianos (Archive of the Indianos) are other recurring locations for the fair.
These are some of the most anticipated events in Colombres and also among the most colorful of the Asturian summer . The event combines this vibrant atmosphere with all kinds of cultural and recreational activities. It's a total immersion in the culture of the Indies, showcasing its rich heritage thanks to the participation of the residents of Ribadedeva, whose involvement is vital to the fair's success. They are responsible for decorating the streets with the Creole spirit and adapting everything to the requirements of each edition, as each year 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.
To stay informed about all the activities and events of the Indianos Fair, you can read our report.
Indian Fair 2026
Another year has arrived… Read more
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
