Dear Fellow Crew Members,
The month of August has arrived once again, bringing with it the celebration of our beloved San Roque Festivities.
This year, 2003, I have been chosen as the crew member entrusted with the honour of representing thousands of my fellow crew members. I feel deeply proud and happy, and I hope to fulfil the responsibility of being Peñista del Año with the dignity that this distinction deserves.
This year I also have the honour of serving on the Board of the Brotherhood of Saint Roch, another responsibility that fills me with pride and strengthens my determination to continue working for Saint Roch and everything he represents.
As Peñista del Año, I would like to make one request to my fellow crew members, as well as to the many visitors who join us each year to enjoy the San Roque Festivities. Celebrate to the fullest, but always with good manners and, above all, with respect for others—especially for those who prefer to enjoy the festivities from the sidelines and, for personal reasons, are not members of any crew.
This year we will be holding a gathering of brass bands on Thursday 14 August at 11:00 a.m. in Plaza de España. Together we will accompany Saint Roch on a procession through the city, and I warmly invite you all to take part. In doing so, we will also express our gratitude to the people of Calatayud, whose generous donations have made it possible to reinforce and preserve the Hermitage of Saint Roch.
When I light the Chupinazo on 13 August, my heart will be filled with joy—a joy that I will be honoured to share with all of you.
LONG LIVE SAINT ROCH!
