Arrived in Oviedo for the Princess of Asturias Awards
Meryl Streep, recipient of the Princess of Asturias Award in the arts category, was officially welcomed at the doors of the Reconquista hotel in Oviedo this morning. She greeted the gathered crowd lining the street with a warm gesture and banners held up by supporters. The moment included a spontaneous pause as she listened to the traditional bagpipes played by El Gumial de Moreda, and she briefly joined in on a few dance steps to the music. The scene drew enthusiastic cheers from those in attendance.
Earlier arrivals and a quiet start to the day
The most celebrated winner of this year’s ceremony had already arrived in the area the day before. Similar to past laureates who have attended, the organizers coordinated a late staging of the official welcome to allow Streep to enjoy a calmer day before the main events. In years past, renowned figures such as director Martin Scorsese and alpine skier Lindsey Vonn have followed a similar approach, creating a balance between a public welcome and personal downtime. The decision was intended to provide space for a relaxed start to the festivities while preserving the traditional reception outside the Reconquista hotel in Oviedo, still accompanied by the bagpipe soundtrack.
As dawn approached, a modest number of Oviedo residents kept a discreet vigil near the hotel gates. The area was watched by a visible security presence, signaling preparations for an important day. Around 9:30 a.m., Streep arrived with a family member. A courteous nod and a shy smile framed her greeting, leaving her fans eager for more as they watched from a respectful distance.
News of the arrival quickly circulated through the crowd, as fans and observers moved closer to the nerve center of the awards where the winners are housed during the event. A significant number of attendees hoped to obtain entry for the evening’s major ceremony at the Oviedo Palace of Congresses. The plan included a joint public address by Streep and her fellow honoree, the actor Antonio Banderas, scheduled for the later part of the day.
The best wishes from supporters came not only in cheers but also in a series of smiles and friendly gestures as the star moved away from the hotel in a direction that remained largely unmarked. The handling of media attention remained low-key, with the focus kept on preserving the dignity of the moment. The crowd outside the Reconquista prepared for the major events slated for the day, including the preliminary gatherings at the hotel and the official processional routes that would lead to the day’s main venues.