Asturias day picnic

The annual 'Día d'Asturies' celebration.

Groups arrive, many in traditional costume together with pipe bands, for a picnic celebrating Asturias day. It is a bit like a romería without the religion. Prizes are awarded for the best picnic spread. I expect that this feast was the winner, although several others were very appealing as well.

The picnic took place on Gijon's headland, El Cerro de Santa Catalina. We went with a group from the Cimadevilla district, which is located right next to the headland. Our group here, favoured practicality over tradition, with chairs, tables and canopies in case of rain. Oh, and plenty of beer and cider.

Those of our group who did dress up wore the simpler costume of the fishing community of Cimadevilla, rather than the more colourful and elaborate rustic asturian attire.

This fisherfolks' costume consists of a a blue and white check kerchief and a matching skirt with lace trim or blue trousers for men, together with a white shirt or blouse and espadrille shoes with esparto grass soles.

It can be seen being worn by another group here.