“I have been living outside Asturias for some years of my life, in other parts of Spain, and I always remember my roots. I never forget where I come from”. These words from Marcelino were part of the opening speech in Villaviciosa’s Apple Festival on Friday, 8 October, which was celebrating its XXXIII edition.
The phrases that open the text could have been spoken at any other time. Marcelino García Toral has had Asturias at the bottom of his heart since he was a child. Proud of his origin (Careñes, a town in the council of Villaviciosa), the Athletic coach lived a special day with his countrymen.
The international break created the ideal setting for Marcelino to be a prophet in his land. There, in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Villaviciosa (the ‘Spain’s apple Capital’), he received the affection of his people and the authorities present at the event. The coach read a well-prepared speech highlighting the importance of cider obtained from the apple in his family environment. He also had beautiful thoughts for all the victims the pandemic has left. It was a unique way to inaugurate a festival declared of Regional Tourist Interest.
Un verdadero honor abrir el #FestivaldelaManzana en casa, junto a mi gente y en un ambiente precioso. Disfrutad del fin de semana en #Villaviciosa #ComarcadelaSidra #Asturias @AytoVillaAst @FielatoyNora pic.twitter.com/n9IVFrI2za
— Marcelino Garcia Toral (@Marcelino) October 8, 2021
And it doesn’t look like it’s going to be the last. Marcelino, who was in charge of the proclamation at the Festival of Nuestra Señora del Portal in 2007, used social networks to show his pride in this new recognition of his countrymen. A collective petition has been started to name him ‘Favorite Son of Villaviciosa’, which could happen before the end of 2021.