The Sunday following Easter It is time to honor The Virgin of the FlowerTrue to form, the residents of the seven villages that make up the parish of Pría: Garaña, Belmonte, Llames, La Pesa, Silviella, Villanueva and Piñeres, climb to the St. Peter's ChurchThe temple brings together the inhabitants of the area (around five hundred registered residents), along with friends and family scattered across the globe. The setting is perfect for this special day.
The church, settled at the top of a hill Clearly visible, it overlooks a vast landscape between the sea and the mountains, one of those places where eastern Asturias displays its full visual splendor. From this vantage point, spring seems to manifest itself with greater intensity: the clarity of the air, the proximity of the Cantabrian Sea, the scattered villages and rural life; the rolling hills, with the fresh green of the meadows everywhere… We are talking about an exceptional place, whose scenic beauty is an inseparable part of the character of this festival. It may well be one of the most beautiful spots in the Way of Santiago del NorteTherefore, it is not uncommon to see pilgrims stopping, sharing the festive atmosphere, and taking pictures with the other pilgrims.
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It's worth climbing up to this church not only to gain a panoramic view of the landscape, but also to soak up the vibrant human atmosphere and... a folklore with centuries of memoryThe Flor de Pría is the earliest of Llanes' traditional festivals, the first to appear when the year begins to find its festive rhythm. In a way, It marks the beginning of the town's major celebrations, with more dancing, bonfires, and festive rivalries. that will fill spring, summer, and also autumn.
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From the area of the old schools, the pyramidal offering, laden with bread and flowers, is carried aloft. Bagpipes, drums, and pilgrims accompany the procession. The young women, impeccably dressed in village attire, play tambourines adorned with ribbons of a thousand colors. The men from Porrua march steadily, wearing their leather chaps and carrying their rustic walking sticks. All are making their way to the solemn mass, after which the procession will take place. Our Lady of the Flower –a devotion undoubtedly associated with spring and Easter.
The image of the Virgin will always be well-adorned, and beautifully sung, with voices tuned for the occasion. And the flower is embodied in roses. They receive roses Those born in Pría in the last year, the young men and women who reach adulthood, and couples celebrating their silver or golden wedding anniversaries. Special roses are also given to those who selflessly collaborate in parish affairs.
Enjoying La Flor de Pría, Llanes #asturias #llanes #festivities
In the land of the famous poet Pepín de Pría (Born in La Pesa in 1864 and a great promoter of the Asturian language), there is no shortage verses and songs Locals at all times. With them, the townspeople and visitors are greeted, the seven villages of the parish are cheered, the bouquet and flowers are mentioned, the Virgin is revered, and she is bid farewell until "next year"; but not before dedicating a few dances to her in the church square. Afterwards, inside the parish, the village women also pay homage to her with songs, prostrate themselves before her, and, without ceasing to play their tambourines, leave the church walking backwards, facing the Virgin at all times.
The folk performances come to an end with the traditional raw dance, one of the most choral and recognizable moments of the festival.
"Long live Pría, long live Pría!"
The joy continues afterwards with a fellowship meal overhand.
La party commission The Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Flower of Pría not only organizes this big day, but also works all year round to cover the expenses and organize every last detail. Many people dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to this endeavor, such as Marta Elola, singer and tambourine player, one of the leading voices of traditional Asturian music.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
