The pregones, those ceremonies that mark the beginning of local festivities and events in many parts of Spain, are usually moments of celebration and unity. They are instances in which a well-known personality has the honor of addressing the community to officially open the festivities and, in theory, unify under a feeling of joy and tradition. However, times change and these celebrations, far from being spaces exempt from controversy, begin to reveal the social fractures and divisions that arise in communities.
This has been the case of Anabel Alonso, who has had to face booing and derogatory comments during her proclamation at the Virgen del Castañar festival in Béjar, in the province of Salamanca.
What was supposed to be a celebratory event turned into a tense and polarized scenario, so the comedian had to exercise her role not only as a preacher but also as a mediator. In this sense, Alonso had to urge respect and tolerance on several occasions in an environment that was far from festive due to the political differences between the actress and the inhabitants, since the municipality is governed by the PP and VOX.
Despite his popularity and charisma, Alonso found himself in an unwelcoming scenario: a group of neighbors tried to boycott his speech with boos and derogatory comments. “If you want to boo me, do it, come on,” said Alonso. This call was received immediately, and it didn’t take long for the shouts and negative comments to emerge from the square.
Alonso maintained his composure and addressed those present despite the hostile climate: “You have the right to boo me if you want, I don’t really know why…” After this, he asked for respect not for her, but for “the people of Béjar, Béjar and the Virgen del Castañar”.
Some attendees came to describe her as “pesetera”, insinuating that she was there only for the money. Given this, Alonso consulted directly with the mayor of Béjar, Luis Francisco Martín, asking him how much he would receive for his participation. The mayor confirmed that Alonso would not receive any type of economic remuneration, but “a medal.”
Despite the awkward situation, the actress never lost her sense of humor. “It’s great, you have come not to hear me,” Alonso joked, trying to put a note of humor in a situation that was beginning to become tense. After the episode, she continued with her speech, in which she reviewed the history of the town, its most outstanding aspects, and encouraged Bejaranos to enjoy their annual festivities.
