AT LAST!!! After three years, we can finally celebrate the festivities in honor of San Roque once again. That is the very first thing that comes to mind, even before the excitement and pride of having been chosen as Peñista del Año 2022.
I am happy for all the crew members, those who are not part of a crew, our visitors, the city's businesses, the hospitality sector, and the city of Calatayud itself. Most importantly, we can once again celebrate the greatest festivities in the world. I am also happy for the long-suffering Jorge Miret, who has carried this responsibility for the past three years. From August 5th onwards, I will be able to relieve him of that burden.
Having said that, I would like to continue by expressing my gratitude for this recognition, which means so much to me.
Thank you to my mother and my sisters, who spent so many sleepless nights waiting for me to come home, and who even had to come looking for me, almost with the police. Thank you to my wife and my son for always supporting my decisions, even though they often meant sacrificing time that should have belonged to them in order to dedicate it to these festivities.
No one walks this path alone, and achievements are only possible thanks to the support of others. Alone, we are nothing. I would like to share this distinction with them all: thank you to the board of directors of Peña Euqor, who stood beside me throughout my years as president. And what can I say about the “Dream Team” we formed at Interpeñas (Chinarro, Cotolo, Julio, Chema, Pedro, Joaquín, Raul, Fernando, Ernesto, and Angel Luis with the Bullfighting Committee). Thank you—I truly enjoyed every moment. My thanks also go to the Brotherhood of San Roque, where I had the privilege of collaborating for eight years alongside another outstanding team.
Thank you to the current board of directors of Peña Euqor, of which I am still a member, and especially to my friend Jorge Arnillas “Archi”, who took the initiative to nominate me, with the unanimous support of the entire board.
I cannot forget all the crews that have placed their trust in me to represent them. I sincerely hope I will live up to this great responsibility.
Thank you to the current board of the Inter-Crew Federation (Gerardo, José Luis, Juanma, and Sonia). Since the day I was chosen, you have never stopped standing by my side and helping me in every possible way.
Within the healthy—and I repeat, healthy—rivalry that exists between the different crew colors, I cannot fail to mention a crew member and friend from Peña Cachirulo, Carlos Munilla. I'll leave it at that. Thank you, Carlitos.
My thanks also go to those from Peña Euqor whom I have always looked up to and learned from, and who also received the distinction of Peñista del Año: Mari Carmen Monge, Rafael López DEP, Eduardo Rubio “Tato” DEP, Miguel Angel Piquero, Antonio Maestro, Carlos Pardos, Jose Hernández, José Luis Pinilla, and Efrén Navarro.
And I cannot forget the person—the founder of Euqor—who, from an early age, instilled in me a love for these festivities and who is sadly no longer here to witness this moment. I am certain he would be proud. Wherever you are, thank you, Dad.
From this privileged position, and with your permission and the utmost respect, I would like to quote a paragraph written by Manolo Ginés when he was named Peñista del Año in 1988. With your permission, Manolo, I would like to make these words my own:
“Asimismo, hago votos para que sus dirigentes se vayan concienciando de al necesidad de unir esfuerzos y lleguen a una unificación total en la organización de los actos que se programan para nuestras noches sanroqueras, ya que ello evitaría la coincidencia de espectáculos y ayudará a que la economía de las peñas sea más saneada”.
I truly hope so!
Finally, to those who are hearing about our festivities for the very first time, I would like to say that they certainly share some things with other celebrations, but they also possess a unique spirit that makes them unlike any other.
And to those who will be wearing the shirt of a crew for the first time, remember that joy and participation are the best way to experience San Roque. These festivities are not about drunkenness, envy, fights, or bad behavior. They are about commitment, tradition, and respect.
In this very special post-pandemic year, as we gather on the balcony of our old Town Hall, know that every resident of Calatayud will be lighting the “cuete” together with me to officially begin the festivities in honor of San Roque 2022.
There is nothing more for me to add except to wish all the crew members of Euqor, Rouna, Desbarajuste, Unión, Solera, Los que Faltaban, Cachirulo, Bota, Garnacha, and Nogara—as well as all the people of Calatayud and our visitors—a wonderful celebration filled with joy and respect.
Thank you all very much. I am immensely happy.
!!!!!!!! LONG LIVE SAN ROQUE !!!!!!
