"The unexpected comes only to those who expect nothing." (Rémy de Gourmont)
Being named Peñista del Año has been a tremendous honour for me. What has filled me with the greatest pride, however, is that I, humble as I am, have been given the privilege of representing the thousands of crew members who no longer live in our beloved Calatayud. Every August, this diaspora ceases to exist as we all return home to celebrate the San Roque Festivities together.
This San Roque 1993 marks my 35th anniversary as a crew member. Throughout those years, I have always tried to contribute in whatever way I could—first by paying the membership fees and later by purchasing the annual badge, helping to ensure that these festivities could continue to thrive year after year.
I would especially like to encourage the younger crew members to remember that these festivities belong to the crews. They are organised by the crews, funded by the crews, and without the crews there would be no San Roque Festivities as we know them today.
I would like to thank the Inter-Crew Federation, and in particular Euqor Crew, Unión Crew, Los Que Faltaban Crew, Solera Crew, La Bota Crew, El Desbarajuste Crew, El Cachirulo Crew, Nogara Crew, Garnacha Crew, and my beloved Rouna Crew, for the confidence they have shown in me by naming me Peñista del Año.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the Brotherhood of Saint Roch for its unwavering commitment to preserving and strengthening the religious traditions of our festivities. I also remember with affection all those who are no longer with us; they will always remain in my heart.
To our regional and local authorities, I would ask for greater support—something that has always been in short supply—for our festivities. And to all of you, my fellow crew members, I wish that Saint Roch may bless you and that we may all enjoy festivities filled with joy and happiness.
A warm embrace.
