Day of the Americas in Asturias

The Day of the Americas in Asturias is one of the most emblematic and popular events of Oviedo's San Mateo festivities. The great parade passes through the city streets with floats, folk groups, bands, bagpipers and cultural representatives, paying tribute to Asturian emigration and the historic ties between Asturias and the Americas.

Held since 1950 and recognised as a Festival of National Tourist Interest, it is one of the most distinctive annual events in Oviedo's festive calendar. Below you can find the information from the 2026 edition, held on Saturday, 19 September.

Day of the Americas in Asturias 2026

The 2026 edition of the Day of the Americas in Asturias was held on Saturday, 19 September 2026 in Oviedo. It was the 76th edition and formed part of the San Mateo festivities.

History of the Day of the Americas in Asturias

The Day of the Americas in Asturias was created in 1950 as a tribute to the thousands of Asturians who emigrated to the Americas and to the countries that welcomed them. The initiative is closely linked to the Asturian cartoonist Alfonso Iglesias, creator of such popular characters as Pinón and Telva.

For decades, the parade has symbolised the two-way journey between Asturias and the Americas. This is reflected in the music, dances, returning emigrants known as indianos, emigrant associations, Asturian centres, allegorical floats and the traditional “haigas”, the large American cars that some returning emigrants brought back with them to Asturias.

The festival evolved into one of the main events of San Mateo and a celebration of the cultural ties between Asturias and numerous countries in the Americas, while also including representatives from Asturian municipalities and associations.

Day of the Americas in Asturias, 2014 edition. Photograph: Adolfobrigido / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0.

Route of the Day of the Americas 2026

Approximate route: Independencia → Uría → Marqués de Santa Cruz → Santa Susana → Avenida de Galicia → Plaza de América → Marqués de Teverga → Asturias. The map is for information purposes and is intended to make the general route easier to locate.

Uría Street is one of the most popular places to watch the parade, although it is also usually one of the most crowded areas. If you would prefer a little more space, it may be better to choose a later section of the route, always respecting road closures and safety instructions.

Seating for the 2026 parade

For the 2026 edition, chairs could be purchased in advance at some of the most popular points along the route, especially on Uría Street and in Plaza de la Escandalera.

This seating offered a front-row view of the parade in some of the most central and lively areas of the Day of the Americas in Asturias.

Tips for watching the Day of the Americas in Asturias

• Arrive early, especially if you want a place on Uría Street or in Plaza de América.
• Bear in mind that there will be road closures and diversions to public transport.
• If seating is offered in future editions, booking a chair may be useful for children or older people.
• Do not cross between floats or participating groups, and follow the instructions of the Local Police and event organisers.
• Check the weather before setting out: much of the waiting and the parade itself take place outdoors.