AND OFF WE WENT TO LEÓN

There is no bad date or distant place when it comes to celebrating an anniversary among “rojiblancos.” We know this very well in our peña, so when we received the invitation from the Peña Atlética de La Bañeza Un Sentimiento to join them for their 29th anniversary celebration, we didn’t hesitate for a second.

It was clear that we had a weekend full of emotions and rojiblanco brothers and sisters eager to party ahead of us. That’s exactly what I told Txus, a die-hard colchonera and new to these adventures, as we set off Thelma and Louise-style on our way to La Bañeza.

We weren’t in a convertible nor passing by the Grand Canyon, but while cruising through the Castilian plains, we got a message. So wrapped up in our own little movie, we thought it might be from Brad Pitt, but reality turned out to be even better—it was Víctor, asking us to pick him up in Benavente. So, we did, and of course, he didn’t let us leave without showing us the wonderful parador, the imposing church, and the most beautiful place of all: the headquarters of his peña, Atlética Benaventana. There is so much love poured into that space, and you can feel it from the very first minute: scarves, photos, a magnificent crest, a whole rojiblanco world created with love and dedication that captivated us. Thanks to Víctor for showing us that Atleti universe in Benavente.

On Friday night, Nino, president of the La Bañeza peña, had organized an informal dinner where those of us who had already arrived gathered to rev up for what was coming the next day. The reunions began, the songs, the laughter, and the eagerness to celebrate grew.

If in previous years Atlético legends and personalities were honored, this year the peña chose a true Atlético man, one of real passion, and decided to recognize his loyalty and love for Atlético de Madrid. The chosen one was Manolo Barragán, my godfather.

Saturday started with a football match that we would have won by a landslide if we, who had offered to cheer, had arrived at the sports center on time. Although it might also have something to do with Rafa, president of the Peña Atlética de Mallorca, having to play goalkeeper in jeans, which, according to him, prevented him from pulling off three or four “Oblaks.” Anyway, the match worked up our appetite, so from there, we went for a drink and then lunch.

For the afternoon, Nino had organized a top-notch cultural event. During a talk, Patricia Cazón spoke to us about her book Mujeres salmón, and Txus Rojas about her Dios y Atleti, two must-read books that the authors presented to an eager audience, open to conversation, which eventually shifted toward general topics related to peñas and members. Barragán joined the talk, sharing his anecdotes and wisdom, and the peña had the great honor of naming him a distinguished member, along with Txus Rojas, both of whom signed with great emotion.

This event could have lasted much longer because everyone was very engaged, but the next event was already waiting.

Following tradition, we went to the church to attend a mass for all the deceased Atlético members. Four of us participated actively by reading, and it was incredibly moving to see the altar adorned with our crest printed on the flag. Because this is our true religion.

A gala dinner awaited us in a restaurant decked out entirely in rojiblanco. Peñas from different parts of Spain (and even from abroad, like ours) answered Nino’s invitation and joined in celebrating the 29th anniversary of a vibrant, welcoming, and dynamic peña that knows how and with whom to celebrate. The night was filled with raffles, songs (even the great Falyto delighted us with our anthem on guitar), the emotional tribute to our dear Barragán, where I read the text I had written for him some time ago, and above all, lots of laughter and joy.

How wonderful it is to see so many peñas united! Thanks to the Peña Atlética de La Bañeza Un Sentimiento for making such a marvelous weekend possible. We are already looking forward to your 30th anniversary to do it all over again!

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