The municipality of Piélagos has once again recognised its elderly residents as the 'living memory' of its 12 villages. Mayor Carlos Caramés described them as 'experience, example, and part of our identity'.
Caramés presided over the 33rd edition of the day of brotherhood for residents over the age of 60 in Vioño, alongside the Councillor for Culture, Carmen Bedoya; the president of the local council, Inmaculada Araunabeña; and the president of Cantabria, Mª José Sáenz de Buruaga.
The traditional gathering began at the Parish Church of San Vicente, where a mass was held, followed by a meal at the municipal sports centre. Local chef Mariano Salamanca prepared a menu featuring cocido montañés (a traditional stew), roast pork, and for dessert, cheese from El Bardal de Zurita and quince jelly.
Despite his 40 years of experience, Salamanca admitted to feeling 'nervous' due to the presence of many familiar faces from the village. He expressed confidence that all attendees would enjoy the meal he had been preparing for days. To serve 650 people, he used 73 kilograms of beans, 150 blood sausages, 40 kilograms of bacon, 80 kilograms of ribs, and 70 kilograms of chorizo. For the second course, he roasted 170 kilograms of pork, served with mashed potatoes and mushrooms.
Before the meal, the mayor addressed the attendees, reminding them that this event is a way to acknowledge the importance of their contributions: 'You are important, your life journey matters, and Piélagos would not be what it is today without you.' He highlighted the opportunity to enjoy 'something priceless', referring to the reunion of 650 residents to share memories, converse, and reconnect, which often takes a backseat in the hustle of daily life.
Caramés asserted that 'a society that respects its elders is a society that knows where it comes from and can better decide where it wants to go'. He expressed his belief that the elderly still have much to offer, citing their advice, affection, and active participation in community life as part of their legacy.
During his speech, the mayor noted that over three decades ago, the Piélagos Town Hall initiated this day of brotherhood to honour a generation that faced difficult times and worked hard to ensure their families prospered. 'Men and women who learned to get ahead without anyone giving them anything,' he remarked.
He praised their ability to instil values of responsibility, hard work, effort, and solidarity in their children. 'Many of you know what it means to sacrifice personal desires for a better future for your families,' he emphasised, adding that they have contributed to the growth and progress of their villages.
'Behind every family and every village are many stories of sacrifice, generosity, and resilience that are valuable to remember,' the mayor concluded.
