Dear Fellow Crew Members,
With these few words, I would like to thank you for the confidence you have placed in me by naming me Peñista del Año 2000. The honour of representing so many crew members cannot possibly be expressed in just a few lines. My commitment to the San Roque Festivities goes back many years: first with El Desbarajuste Crew, a true breeding ground for generations of crew members; later as President of the Inter-Crew Federation, almost a decade ago; and more recently through the Brotherhood of Saint Roch. For this reason, I would like to encourage everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes within the crews and the Brotherhood to continue striving to ensure that the San Roque Festivities retain the joy and wonderful atmosphere for which they are so well known.
To all the crew members, I would like to say that these festivities belong to you. You make them possible, and you are the ones who should enjoy them to the fullest, always in a spirit of friendship and harmony, both among yourselves and with the many visitors who join us during these special days.
During my time as President of the Inter-Crew Federation, we faced a few difficulties that I would rather leave in the past. What I do wish to remember is the commitment, cooperation and hard work shown by the members of the Federation's committee and by all the crews. My sincere thanks to every one of you.
It will be a tremendous honour to wear the shirt bearing the colours of all the crews, a tradition that has accompanied the Peñista del Año since 1966 and was designed by our good friend José Gil.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the Brotherhood of Saint Roch for the remarkable work they have carried out over recent years and for their dedication to restoring the Hermitage of Saint Roch and its surroundings.
On 12 August, when the Chupinazo is launched from the balcony of the Town Hall, remember that although I may be the one lighting the ceremonial rocket, every one of you will be launching it alongside me.
LONG LIVE SAINT ROCH!
