From the town hall balcony, Ramón Langa, accompanied by Miguel Ángel de Dios, the Grand Brother of the Brotherhood of Desarme, and Alfredo García Quintana, the councillor for tourism, began his proclamation by highlighting the peaceful nature of the festival. He stated, "What a wonderful word, what a marvellous word, 'disarmament'. One does not massacre the enemy; one simply leaves them unarmed. It cannot be more elegant, intelligent, and refined."
Langa expressed his honour in sharing such a significant date with the people of Oviedo, stating, "Dear Oviedo, who would have thought that today I would have the honour of sharing with you such a decisive and important date for your prosperity and freedom. A date that highlights the unity and courage of a people who valiantly defended your walls from absolutist attack. Those united people demonstrated and set an example for those who wish to follow, that a collective proud of its treasure and traditions, a jealous guardian of your walls and history, dear Oviedo, faced the invader with songs between clenched teeth and blood boiling in their brave hearts. And as artillery, a pot of chickpeas with spinach and tripe in the Oviedo style. Why? To keep you healthy and safe."
The actor also acknowledged the contributions of local officials, including Alfredo Canteli, the mayor, and Alfredo Quintana, the councillor for tourism, as well as his fellow actors who make their work a passionate game. He praised Miguel Ángel de Dios, calling him a "guardian angel of Desarme," and thanked him for the opportunity to speak at the event.
Langa concluded his proclamation with a rallying cry of "Long live El Desarme! Long live Oviedo! Long live Asturias!"
The highlight of the celebration will occur on Saturday, 24 October, with the XIV Grand Chapter at the Teatro Filarmónica. The ceremony, which begins at 11:00 after a traditional reception breakfast in Plaza del Fontán, will award the highest honours of the brotherhood. Honoured Brothers will include actor and comedian Joaquín Pajarón, the Oviedo Basketball Club (Alimerka OCB), and the technical team of Oviedo Capital of European Culture. The honorary ambassadors will be the Association of Writers of Asturias, the Rotary Club of Oviedo, and the Fundación Ópera de Oviedo. Friend Spoons will be awarded to Gema Igual, mayor of Santander; Conrado Escobar, mayor of Logroño; and Pepe Marín, a journalist from Canal Cocina.
