With this designation, Ónega joins a distinguished list of personalities who have had the honor of inaugurating the capital's most emblematic celebrations. Her appointment aligns with recent years' trend of selecting prominent figures from cultural, journalistic, and sports fields for this role.
The author, recognized for her work Las hijas de la criada, for which she won the Premio Planeta 2023, will succeed footballer Dani Carvajal. Other illustrious names who have served as town criers include Almudena Grandes, Joaquín Sabina, Santiago Segura, and Elvira Lindo.
“"One does not have to be born to feel Madrilenian."
Recent opening speeches have served as a platform for significant reflections on Madrid and its citizens. For instance, Antonio Resines shared his experience with public healthcare after recovering from COVID-19, while Santiago Segura addressed issues such as traffic and housing costs. Ramoncín, for his part, called for coexistence and mutual respect among citizens.
The tradition of the San Isidro opening speeches is a fundamental pillar of Madrid's festive calendar, with artists, journalists, athletes, and cultural figures leaving their mark from the balcony of the Casa de la Villa.
