The Princess of Asturias, the heir to Spain’s throne, visited on Saturday the most exemplary village of Asturias, surrounded by King Philip VI, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofia.
The day after the award ceremony of the Princess of Asturias Foundation, Princess Leonor continues her annual stay in the north-west of the country, visiting a town that has received the title of “Model Village of Asturias.” This year, the village of Sotres, located at the highest altitude of the Picos de Europa National Park, received this title.
Princess Leonor, 18, took her family to this village, located in the municipality of Cabrales. On site, King Philip VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia met with local authorities, the population and visited certain businesses and emblematic places. The village received this award thanks to the conservation of the place, its traditional heritage and activities based on sustainable development. The village also has a food industry and quality tourism.
The Sotres Neighbourhood Association was established in 2006 to protect the interests of its inhabitants and preserve their traditions and heritage. In recent years it has developed remarkable activities, especially encouraged by young people. Among the projects implemented by the neighbourhood association is the Sotres Cultural Festival. The association has also restored the old village schools that had been closed down. They are now used to organise other activities such as yoga classes or language courses.
The royal family, accompanied by Cabrales Mayor José Sánchez, travelled to the mountain goat pastures and then to the drying cave where cheeses are made. Throughout the visit, Princess Leonora was warmly welcomed by the population to the sounds of traditional music performed by folklore groups.
The day’s visit ended with a speech by Princess Leonor, who this year celebrates her 10th anniversary as Princess of Asturias:
“I have read a lot about Sotres, the last town of Asturias, which is so high up. It is a magnificent place in the heart of a national park, within a biosphere reserve and a protected natural area, but it is so much more than that: this city is you.”
