The Illustrious Awards Ceremony, an emblematic initiative organized by The Princess of Asturias Foundation, which pays tribute to eminent figures in recognition of the extraordinary services and activities they have rendered, that highlights the contribution of influential personalities advancing towards progress and developments.
HM King Felipe VI has been the Honorary President of the Princess of Asturias Foundation since its creation in 1980. Following his proclamation as King of Spain on the 19th of June 2014, HRH Leonor de Borbón y Ortiz, Princess of Asturias, is now the Honorary President of this institution which annually assemble The Princess of Asturias Awards.
The Princess of Asturias Awards 2020, presided by His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, Her Majesty Queen Letizia and Her Royal Highness the Princess of Asturias, Leonor de Borbón y Ortiz. Celebrated its 40tth edition, on Friday October 16th at Eurostars Hotel de La Reconquista in Oviedo, Spain. The prestigious awards ceremony was held in this magnificent venue belonging to Grupo Hotusa; a leading Hotel & Tourism Corporate Group.
The somnolent awards ceremony, aimed at rewarding the scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanitarian work carried out at an international level by individuals, institutions or groups, they are granted in eight categories: The Arts, Literature, Social Sciences, Communication and Humanities, Technical and Scientific Research, International Cooperation, Concord and Sports. The Princess of Asturias Awards are presented every October in Oviedo, capital of the Principality of Asturias, witness of unforgettable moments.
The Awards Ceremony is considered one of the most important cultural events on the international calendar. Throughout their history, The Princess of Asturias Awards are proud to have been recognized by a wide range of diverse sources, such as the 2004 UNESCO acknowledging their remarkable contribution to humanity’s cultural heritage.
Encouraging Speech presented to the winners as well as to the international audience by the His Majesty The King Felipe VI.
“Now, when so many people have faced and continue to face such serious and complex situations due to the pandemic; when many citizens feel great uncertainty and concern about their economic situation, it is necessary for all of us to make a considerable collective effort, a great national effort, comprehension capacity of the State, and will, along with an unwavering, determined attitude to overcome.”
Grupo Hotusa is a dynamic, innovative and expanding multinational organization established during 1977 in the city of Barcelona. Currently, Grupo Hotusa has a portfolio with more than 200 hotels, of which more than 100 are integrated into the Eurostars Hotels chain and more than 70 in the Exe Hotels chain.
A flourish firm, composed of a pool of companies belonging to various sectors of the hospitality and tourism industry.
Over 40 years of expertise and know-how enhancing competitiveness which today positions itself as the world’s number one independent hotel consortium. The international organization is divided into two main areas that enclose the Tourism, made up of different companies focused on providing services to hotels, as well as the Hospitality one: Under the name of Eurostars Hotel Company, this area directly encompasses the direct hotel management business.
Their Majesties the Kings of Spain, accompanied by Her Royal Highnesses the Princess of Asturias, Leonor de Borbón y Ortiz together with Her Royal Highness Sofía de Borbón y Ortiz, Infanta of Spain, the second daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia; delivered the awards, which distinguished in this special 40th edition the Spanish health workers at the forefront combating against COVID-19.
“Facing so much loss, uncertainty and so much sorrow, other positive feelings and attitudes have also been reborn in us, that perhaps on too many occasions seemed numb.” “That’s why I said that more than ever we need courage and hope.”
Before His Majesty Felipe VI, the Princess of Asturias, who made her debut at the awards that bear her name last year, giving her first public speech. Leonor de Borbón y Ortiz, the heir to the crown, is about to turn 15 years old on the 31st of October. She sincerely thanked everyone for their recognized work and contribution while betting to make the world a better place. Princess Leonor strengthens her role as heir: She presides for the second time at the awards that bear her name. The ceremony was filled with emotional moments that commemorated stellar recognitions.
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“Thank you for fostering culture and science, for promoting solidarity, for improving education. Thank you for working to preserve nature and reduce injustice, discrimination, poverty and disease. We are here to eulogize you. Your works remind us that there are millions of people who think and act to make a better world.”
For the first time, the Princess of Asturias Awards, majestic ceremony which this year celebrates its 40th edition, changes the venue of the Campoamor Theater in Oviedo to a new scenario in The Covadonga Hall of The Reconquista hotel. This year’s awards have limited capacity up to 40 people, an absence of audience and with and strict security measures to avoid the risk of contagion of the coronavirus.
“I am almost fifteen years old. I follow very closely, like many children and young people of my age, what is happening in our country, Spain. And after months without going to school, going back to class showed us that we have to adapt to these new circumstances, always hoping that everything improves.” “Is the sense of responsibility.” “And the importance of solidarity thanks to people who, like the winners, are an example of how to face difficulties.”
THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR 2020 AWARDS ARE:
- Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts: ENNIO MORRICONE Andrea Morrricone (on behalf of his father, Ennio, who died on July, a month after being granted the Arts Award with John Williams); AND JOHN WILLIAMS.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities: INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR OF GUADALAJARA AND HAY FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE & ARTS.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Literature: ANNE CARSON.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences: DANI RODRIK.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research: YVES MEYER, INGRID DAUBECHIES, TERENCE TAO AND EMMANUEL CANDÉS.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Sports: CARLOS SAINZ CENAMOR.
- Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation: GAVI, THE VACCINE ALLIANCE.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Concord: SPANISH SANITARY FIRST LINE AGAINST COVID-19.
The Eurostars Hotel La Reconquista is the annual meeting place of the different juries of the Princess of Asturias Prizes, which are solemnly awarded in the Campoamor Theatre. Its facilities host official receptions, television broadcasts, voting and many other events surrounding the Prizes. The hotel has a fully equipped convention centre covering over 9000 m², spread over 16 multi-purpose, dividable meeting rooms with a 550-person capacity in the meeting room and 1400-person capacity in cocktail mode.
The convention centre has a separate entrance from the hotel. Year after year, these rooms bear silent witness to the secret deliberations of the various judges of The Prince of Asturias Awards.
Its facilities are equipped with the cutting-edge technology and the latest audiovisual equipment. Users have high-speed wi-fi access and a technical service to provide support at any time.
The Eurostars Hotels name is a faithful reflection of the goal the brand strives to achieve: To be present in the top European capitals without turning its back on the Spanish market. The chain is currently present in nearly every country in Europe, as well as the United States, Mexico Colombia and Morocco.
“Returning to Asturias is always for us, therefore, an occasion to live and relive extraordinary things, because to the pleasure of visiting this beloved land again, we add the meaning of some awards that, from Spain, transcend all borders and reach all corners of knowledge. Asturias makes this transcendence possible with its love for culture, its sense of solidarity and its commitment to justice, equality and freedom.”
The Anthem of Asturias, performed by the “City of Oviedo” Bagpipe Band concluded with the entry into The Covadonga Hall of the members of the Band – without wind instruments – and its director.
The Principality of Asturias offers a broad range of skilled professionals: Almost 30,000 healthcare and social professionals, around 25,000 in the field of education, over 35,000 industry experts as well as more than 90,000 trade, hotel and catering skillful workers, 15,000 in the scientific & technical ground, above 6,000 ICT specialists…who, together with the friendly, kind and hospitable nature of the people of this region, comprise the driving force for the celebration of outstanding meetings, events, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
Traditional Flavours. 
Eurostars Hotel de La Reconquista, Oviedo. 
Gastronomic Delights. 
Eurostars Hotel de La Reconquista, Oviedo.
Asturias has exceptional conditions as a destination for Congresses, Incentives and Meetings, both for the quality of its equipment and unique venues. There is also a large and coordinated set of tourist services, and well-communicated urban area made up of the three cities in the region – Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés .The landscape, natural and rural surroundings are varied, beautiful, close to urban centers and comfortable, without forgetting the delicious gastronomy.
