After the opening speech on Friday night and the fair on Saturday, Sunday arrives as the most important day, with mass in honor of the patron saint (Saint Bernard), an international folk festival, a memorable parade of floats presided over by the queen of the festivities and a packed end of the party in "el prau" (the Concordia Park), where thousands of people celebrate together with the people of Parres a pure Asturian pilgrimage; a grand espicha that has the "bollu preñau" , cider and good humor as the main protagonists.
The schedule for this festival is simple yet unforgettable. It's all about having a great time in a truly Asturian atmosphere . The celebration, like no other, reflects the typical Asturian pilgrimage: the customs and hospitality of the Asturians, traditional ways of life, including crafts, dancing, music, and regional sociability, all seasoned with cider and delicious food. All of this gives the Fiesta del Bollu great ethnographic and cultural value, in addition to its purely recreational aspect.
The "Bollu preñau," which gives the festival its name, is the quintessential festive food in Asturias. No self-respecting "prau" festival is complete without it. The bollu, or bollo, is a piece of bread filled with chorizo or bacon. The chorizo must be Asturian, with a strong paprika flavor, which gives this unparalleled sandwich its true gastronomic character. And of course, a small glass of cider is essential to accompany it, poured with expert skill and perfect timing.
The people of Parres, with their strong cider-making tradition, pour cider nonstop and with expert skill. This is evident in the parade of floats that kicks off the festivities. Every group and club is passing the cider around. Children, young people, and adults are dressed in regional costumes to add to the splendor of the parade through the streets of Arriondas. The singing and chanting accompany the procession to the meadow where the traditional bread roll, along with other delicacies, family, and friends await... then the party continues until the early hours.
The following day, Monday , El Bollín is celebrated , a wonderful closing of the festivities with games and a large cake for the little ones and distribution of the "Bollín Preñau" to all members.
The epicenter of this festival is the La Peruyal neighborhood , a secluded area within the town of Arriondas, where in 1949 a handful of founders launched the idea for this celebration. Few could have imagined that over the years the "La Peruyal" festival society would become one of the most important cultural groups in Asturias, with a large membership . It comprises practically all the residents of Parres, as well as those who, though far from their hometown, still long for it every day. For the Fiesta del Bollu (Bollu Festival), this society publishes an annual magazine eagerly awaited by all, which includes local information, history, events, news, and anecdotes. It also contributes to the knowledge and dissemination of topics related to science and culture and compiles an important "graphic history" of Arriondas and Parres throughout the last century.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
