Vox MP José María Figaredo on 8 September invoked the spirit of Covadonga Don Pelayo Don Pelayo and called for the spirit of the Reconquista to be revived as a response to current problems in Asturias and throughout Spain. He spoke on the sidelines of celebrations in honour of the Virgen de Covadonga and Día de Asturias. Figaredo represents Asturias in the national Parliament.
In his remarks, Figaredo linked historical references with assessments of current affairs. He criticised regional policy and took particular issue with the fact that Adrián Barbón, President of the Principality of Asturias, did not attend Mass in Covadonga that day. Barbón had previously said that he was “not omnipresent” and confirmed that he would not attend Mass, as the official Día de Asturias events were being held this year in Castropol, Vegadeo and San Tirso de Abres take place. The Archdiocese of Oviedo led the liturgical services in Covadonga.
Figaredo did not cite any specific legislative initiatives or measures to support his historical invocation during his appearance. His choice of words drew on a recurring theme in his party’s political communications: using historical symbols as an identity-shaping framework for present-day politics. In substance, his intervention focused on general appeals and criticism of the regional government.
The appearances of political representatives at the Día de Asturias celebrations are regularly controversial in Asturias. This year, the state and church events were spread across several locations: while the official regional events were scheduled in the west of the Principality, pilgrims, clergy and politicians traditionally gathered in Covadonga for Masses and processions. Against this backdrop, the debate over attendance and symbolism is part of the customary political dispute on the public holiday.
No immediate institutional response to Figaredo’s words was initially reported. His remarks form part of a longer-running controversy over how historical references – such as Don Pelayo and the Reconquista – are interpreted and used in current political debates. Supporters speak of necessary values and guidance, while critics warn against instrumentalising mythical narratives. The political dispute did not affect the schedule of official and liturgical events on the public holiday itself.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).