Asturian people

Asturians
Notable Asturians:
Pelayo of Asturias
Alfonso II of Asturias
Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos
Severo Ochoa
Margarita Salas
Fernando Alonso
David Villa
Hevia
Letizia, Princess of Asturias
Juan Mata
Total population
1,076,896[1]
Regions with significant populations
Within Spain: Asturias; Galicia, Castile and León, Cantabria
Languages

Asturian, Eonavian, Spanish.

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Related ethnic groups

Galicians, Cantabrians, other Spaniards

The Asturians are one of the nationalisms of Spain, issuing from the historical country of the Principality of Asturias. They have Celtiberian heritage, related to its historical and cultural links with neighbouring Galicia, as well as Visigothic cultural influences most notably found in the Asturian language. Their religious affiliation is predominantly Roman Catholic. The Asturian language, once widely spoken by Asturians, has been in decline since the early 20th century although around 40 % of Asturians still speak the language (10 % as a mother tongue). Whilst not recognised as an official language in Spain, it is protected under the Autonomous Statute legislation, and efforts to preserve the language continue to be made.[2]

Historic settlement in Latin America

Asturians were involved in the development of the New World and their descendants in present-day Latin America, esp. in Argentina and Uruguay; and other countries where Asturians moved to during the rule of the Spanish Empire. The Industrial Revolution came to Asturias after 1830 with the discovery and systematic exploitation of coal and iron resources. At the same time, there was significant migration to the Americas (i.e. Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico); those who succeeded overseas often returned to their native land much wealthier. These entrepreneurs were known collectively as 'Indianos', for having visited and made their fortunes in the West Indies and beyond. The heritage of these wealthy families can still be seen in Asturias today: many large 'modernista' villas are dotted across the region, as well as cultural institutions such as free schools and public libraries. Asturian communities, social clubs, sporting teams, financial banks and amateur vocal groups are still found in Mexico and Argentina as well across South America. Tens of thousands of Asturians moved to the USA en masse, mainly to agricultural industries of Florida and California in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And were also involved in working in industrial bases of Midwestern factory towns. (see Spanish American).

References

  1. ^ According to the Asturias article, 1,076,896 is merely the current population of all residents of Asturias, not the ethnic population. However, significant populations of Asturian descent live in the rest of Spain, or abroad in countries such as Argentina, Chile, etc.
  2. ^ Bauske 1995

See also