Madreñas

Saturday morning outside San Pedro church in Gijon, a group of about thirty men were singing. Most in donkey jackets and a red neck scarf, carrying a staff and in some cases a lantern, and many wearing the traditional Asturian clogs called 'Madreñas'. Unfortunately I arrived just as they were finishing and just had time to take a quick couple of photos before they moved off.

So I never did find out who they were or why they were singing. Hopefully I'll see them around again and find out more.

The clogs themselves are very typical of Asturias. In rural areas they are probably more common then wellington boots, and probably more practical. The three pegs under the sole would help to stop them getting stuck in the mud.