Sense of belonging

There's a unique magic in coming to a place called home, especially when "home" is the village that shaped you as a person. Even after two decades away, stepping back onto those familiar streets, hearing the distinct accent, seeing familiar faces who spark memories, brings me a profound sense of belonging. This past week has been an extraordinary journey back to those roots, culminating in the immense honor of having been chosen the "pregonera" for our village's annual celebration.
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"Pregonero/a" is the person who gives a public speech to the community in other to inaugurate the annual celebration. However, it was more than just giving an opening speech, it has truly been a unique space for reconnecting while weaving together the threads of our community.

Preparing for it, brought back many memories and that is how I began the speech: in my childhood. That place where I learnt the "sense of (ecosocial) belonging", to the community, the territory and the ecosystem. By engaging with play in such collective space, with all the kids, having the freedom to explore what "rural" means while enforcing curiosity in every corner of the neighbourhood. The echoes of those moments still resonate comforting rhythm of daily life that once defined my world.

Adding to that, I acknowledge the privilege to have learnt how to love the mountains that embrace this valley and all its natural ecosystem, this is the reason why I keep genuinely and openly engaged in the defence of the natural world, in the village and all the work I can do wherever I am. During this speech there was a lot about ecosocial justice, otherwise it wouldn't be me.

​This situation reminded me that community isn't just about continuous physical presence; it's about shared sense of belonging and how we engage with each other. This is a very important concept in my artistic practice since many years, and with this speech I realised how much I learnt it in this tinny village called San Felices de Buelna. 

Photos from the day of the "pregón"

Beyond the main celebration, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with the kids at my old primary school "Colegio Público Pero Niño". Sharing stories of my artistic path that took me to many unpredicted places and situations was very special giving the possibility to learn that Art is much more than decoration, it can be a life long process of in-depth research with possibilities to generate something anew, it is a way of being and experiencing the world. 

This process of remembering and building up community has been incredibly moving. To all who came, who listened, who shared with me, and who helped make this celebration happen, gracias. 
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Photos with the primary school "Colegio Público Pero Niño"