America's Day in Asturias in Oviedo
America's Day in Asturias turns the centre of Oviedo/Uviéu into a meeting between Asturian culture and the countries that welcomed their emigration. Its great parade brings together floats, folk groups and popular characters during the San Mateo festivities.
Celebration date
It is celebrated every 19 September, as one of the central days of the San Mateo festivities. The date identifies the festive tradition, but does not by itself convert the day into a public holiday: this condition depends on the official calendar applicable in each year and locality.
Venue
The parade runs through the streets of the centre of Oviedo/Uviéu. The institutional tourist information places the procession along Uría Street and around Campo de San Francisco, although the exact itinerary, accesses and public areas may change in each edition.
Also check out the festivals of Oviedo.
Origin and history
The first edition took place in 1950. It was born as a tribute to the Asturians who emigrated to America and the societies that received them, making visible the human and cultural link between both shores. The Asturian cartoonist Alfonso Iglesias promoted the idea and his characters Telva and Pinón became associated with the parade.
The celebration has since maintained its place within San Mateo and is recognized as Festival of National Tourist Interest, a distinction documented by the official tourism portal of the Principality.
Acts and traditions
- Parade of decorated floats through the centre of Oviedo.
- Traditional music and dance groups from Asturias.
- Cultural representations of Latin American countries linked to Asturian emigration.
- Costumes, music and symbols that evoke the journey to America and the return of the Indians.
- Presence of popular figures such as Telva and Pinón, linked to Alfonso Iglesias.
Asturias y su emigración
The parade does not just represent a succession of shows: it remembers the experience of generations of Asturians who left for America. Floats and groups link the folklore of the Principality with cultural expressions of the host countries, so the public contemplates a festive narrative of memory, exchange and return.
Cómo asistir
The influx is concentrated in the streets of the route. It is advisable to check the published itinerary and schedule for the specific edition before going, as well as traffic cuts and possible seating areas. The official agenda for 2026 confirms the date of 19 September, but does not yet offer a sufficiently detailed programme to publish an annual sheet with complete schedules and events.
Who participates
Folklore groups, musicians, dancers, float managers, Asturian groups and cultural representations related to America participate, in addition to the City Council and the public that occupies the streets. It is a celebration open to neighbors and visitors, with the parade as the central event.
A day inside San Mateo
America's Day is part of the broader San Mateo programme, but retains its own identity due to its fixed date, its origin linked to emigration and its intercultural parade format. The other concerts, fairs and matinee events belong to the general programming of each edition and should not be confused with this permanent record.