Field Tuesday: A centuries-old tradition
Field Tuesday, also known as Bun Tuesday or the Balesquida festival, is one of the oldest and most emblematic celebrations in the city of Oviedo, in the Principality of Asturias. This festivity is celebrated every year on the Tuesday following Pentecost Sunday, coinciding with late May or early June, and is recognized as a non-working day in the city, along with the festival of San Mateo on September 21.
Balesquida Chapel, headquarters of the brotherhood since the 13th century
Medieval origin
Field Tuesday has its roots in the 13th century and is closely linked to the figure of Velasquita Giráldez, a noblewoman from Oviedo of Frankish origin. In 1232, Velasquita made a generous donation that led to the creation of a hospital and a brotherhood dedicated to helping the most needy. This brotherhood mainly brought together the guild of tailors (called "alfayates" or "xastres" in Asturian), although it also included prominent citizens of the city. Over time, the brotherhood came to be called the Balesquida Brotherhood, deriving its name from that of its founder.
The brotherhood built a chapel next to the hospital, located in the current Cathedral Square. It houses the Virgin of Hope, the brotherhood's titular image. Velasquita Giráldez was buried in the nearby church of San Tirso, where an commemorative inscription of her figure and her foundational work is still preserved.
"Here lies Velasquita Giráldez, noble Frankish lady, founder of the Balesquida Hospital, who with her charity helped the poor of Oviedo. She died in the year of our Lord 1232."
An evolving celebration
In its origins, the festival consisted of a religious procession in which the image of the Virgin of Hope was carried from the Balesquida Chapel to the hermitage of Santa Ana de Mexide, located on the outskirts of the city. After mass, the brothers were served a meal consisting of pork belly, a bun and wine.
Procession with the Virgin of Hope
From the 18th century onwards, the procession stopped going to Mexide and moved to the Campo de San Francisco, a green space located in the center of Oviedo. Since then, the celebration took on a more popular and festive tone, becoming a day of outdoor socializing and eating that spread to all the citizens of Oviedo.
Field Tuesday today
Today, the festival begins with the reading of the proclamation and the procession of the Virgin of Hope from the chapel to the church of San Tirso el Real. Throughout the day, the Brotherhood distributes the traditional "bollu preñáu" (a bread roll filled with chorizo) and a bottle of wine among its members and supporting members.
The people of Oviedo celebrate the day with family or friends, enjoying a picnic in different green areas of the city. The two main settings for the festival are the Campo de San Francisco, where a more family-friendly atmosphere gathers, and the Purificación Tomás Park and Monte Naranco, which attract young people with music, cider and large gatherings.
The Herald's parade
A notable tradition is the Herald's parade, which takes place on the Sunday before Field Tuesday. In it, a rider dressed in white and riding a white horse rides through the old town announcing the festival and asking the mayor for permission to distribute the bun and wine.