The Parees Festival, a renowned urban art event in Oviedo, Spain, has once again celebrated Asturian culture and heritage in its seventh edition. This year, three new murals have been added to the city’s streets, bringing the total number of works to 40. These murals, created by local, national, and international artists, highlight symbols deeply rooted in Asturias’ cultural identity—Faro pottery, the traditional clog known as the madreña, and the apple, a staple of the region’s agriculture.
Organized by the Oviedo Municipal Foundation of Culture, the Parees Festival is more than just an exhibition of urban art. It stands as a tribute to Asturias’ rich history, encouraging an artistic dialogue between the community and the creators. This edition featured the artistic talents of María Peña (Mapecoo) and Marat ‘Morik’ Danilyan, whose works have brought traditional Asturian symbols to life.
Eduard Crespo, the director of the festival, highlighted the significance of these murals, stating, “Parees is not just an encounter with urban art; it is a celebration of our roots, a window to the past, and a projection towards the future of Asturias. This year, with murals dedicated to such emblematic symbols as the madreña, Faro pottery, and the Asturian apple, we have left a visual mark that reflects our cultural heritage.”
Asturias is famous for its apple orchards, but this traditional crop faces an uncertain future in the modern world. María Peña (Mapecoo) has explored this issue in her mural, which reflects on the challenges of preserving the Asturian apple with Denomination of Origin status. Her artwork contrasts local apples with elements of the digital age, sparking contemplation on how this essential crop can survive in a rapidly changing world.
Marat ‘Morik’ Danilyan has paid tribute to the ancient pottery of Faro, a tradition that has survived in Asturias for over a thousand years. His mural, located on Luis Álvarez Fueyo Street, captures the essence of Faro pottery and underscores the importance of preserving this cultural heritage. It serves as a reminder of the deep historical roots that still shape the region today.
In addition to his Faro pottery mural, Morik also created a work dedicated to the madreña, a wooden clog traditionally worn by Asturians. This mural, found on the same street, celebrates the craftsmanship involved in creating the madreña while addressing the broader issue of generational change. With fewer artisans taking up traditional trades, Morik’s mural is both a tribute and a call to preserve these skills before they disappear.
With these new additions, the Parees Festival has expanded Oviedo’s mural legacy, which now boasts 40 works. Over the past seven editions, artists from various regions and countries have contributed to this collection, enriching the city’s artistic and cultural landscape. These murals not only reflect Asturias’ identity but also engage with global artistic movements.
In addition to the mural installations, the 2024 edition of Parees has offered a series of workshops, including silkscreen printing, fanzine creation, and muralism, open to families and individuals alike. One of the festival’s most popular events, the “Beyond the Mural” guided tour, continues to draw large crowds, offering participants a deeper understanding of the artworks and their cultural significance.
Through its vibrant and participatory approach, the Parees Festival continues to position Oviedo as a city committed to contemporary art and the preservation of its cultural traditions. With each edition, it leaves behind a legacy that transcends regional boundaries, making it a reference point for urban art in Spain and beyond.
Images by Mira Hacia Atras & Fer Alcala
