Dear Fellow Crew Members,
This year, 1998, I have the honour of having been chosen as Peñista del Año, and I would like to take this opportunity, through the pages of this programme, to encourage you all to continue making San Roque the greatest celebration in Calatayud—not only because of the joy it brings, but also because of the economic activity it generates, all thanks to the fact that we continue to support and join our crews.
We should all be grateful to those groups of friends who devote their time and effort, year after year, to organising these festivities despite the difficulties, the detractors and those who appear only when everything is already running smoothly.
The Inter-Crew Federation was officially founded in 1977 by a group of friends who firmly believed that, by bringing together the efforts of every crew, the San Roque Festivities would become even greater. Inspired by that vision, I joined the Federation in 1981 as Vice-President of Los Que Faltaban Crew, a position I held for fifteen years. Those were pioneering days, when every crew presented its accounts and, on one occasion, the Federation generated such a healthy surplus that each crew received financial support to help balance its budget.
I had the honour of serving as President of the Inter-Crew Federation in 1987 and 1988, and I can honestly say those were wonderful years because, in those days, we truly felt that the crews shaped the future of the festivities, guided by the motto: "Those who make it possible should have a voice."
During the first year of my presidency, Garnacha Crew and Nogara Crew were founded. As soon as the Inter-Crew Federation approved their admission, we gave them our full support, and I still remember with great affection the tribute they paid to express their gratitude and friendship.
In my second year, we broke every membership record in the history of the festivities. To this day, that figure has never even come close to being surpassed: there were 5,987 crew members.
I would also like to remember those who worked most closely with me during those two years: José Luis Pinilla, who stood beside me from the beginning in our dealings with the Bullring Board of Trustees; Alex Acero, undoubtedly the finest Secretary the Inter-Crew Federation ever had; Manolo Ginés, our tireless Treasurer; Jesús Uche, always ready to solve any telephone problems at the bullring; Ángel Algarate, photographer and reporter of the recortadores, the bull runs and whatever else was needed; Miguel Ángel Piquero, President of Euqor Crew, who never failed to find volunteers whenever they were required; Mario García, known as "El Feo", President of La Bota Crew, who restored his crew's finances and was a wonderful friend; José Ángel Forcén, President of Los Que Faltaban Crew; and the other presidents: Mingotes of Garnacha Crew; Toño Garrido of Nogara Crew; Pedro del Río of Rouna Crew; Antonio Serrano of Unión Crew; Mariano Guillén of Solera Crew; Fernando Fatás of Cachirulo Crew; José Luis, President of El Desbarajuste Crew; and from that same crew, José Antonio Torres, who succeeded me as President of the Inter-Crew Federation. To every one of them, I offer my deepest gratitude.
The San Roque Festivities are far greater than the Inter-Crew Federation itself. They are the most eagerly awaited days of the year, and I encourage you all to sing the traditional hymns to Saint Roch, run alongside the young bulls, and make the most of every delicious meal, every dance and every drink that comes within your reach.
LONG LIVE SAINT ROCH!
