The head of SAMUR-Protection Civil inaugurates the San Cayetano, San Lorenzo, and La Paloma festivals with an emotional speech about welcome and mutual care in the neighbourhoods.
Emergency nurse Paloma Miravet, head of the Organisation Unit of SAMUR-Protection Civil, kicked off the San Cayetano, San Lorenzo, and La Paloma 2026 festivals this Tuesday. She did so from the General Vara de Rey square in the Centro district, with a speech that focused on community solidarity as the true driving force behind these celebrations.
Miravet, who has dedicated nearly three decades to serving Madrid as an emergency nurse, wanted to emphasise the welcoming nature of the capital. "Madrid never asks where you come from, it only asks if you need something", she stated before the attendees, concluding that "Madrid has an immense heart".
A recognition of public service
The councillor for Centro, Carlos Segura, explained that Miravet's selection as the speaker is a tribute to those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. He highlighted that the speaker embodies values such as dedication, solidarity, and a vocation for service, the same values that characterise popular festivals celebrating coexistence and pride in belonging to the neighbourhoods.
One of the most emotional moments came when Miravet recalled an intervention at the home of an elderly person who had suffered a fall, and whose care was made possible thanks to the help of their neighbours. From that experience, she delivered a direct message: "We can alleviate physical pain, we can save lives, but if there is something that no emergency service can replace, it is a good neighbour".
Traditional festivities with a nod to caregivers
The speaker also thanked the work of neighbourhood associations, traders, social entities, and municipal services that make these festivals possible, with a special mention for the professionals and volunteers of SAMUR-Protection Civil, who will remain on duty during the celebrations.
Miravet encouraged Madrid residents and visitors to enjoy the festivities with respect and coexistence, reminding everyone that traditions such as street organs, Manila shawls, lemonade, and the aroma of basil remain alive thanks to the commitment of those who maintain them from generation to generation.
After the speech, the programme continued in the General Vara de Rey square with the traditional election of local characters and performances by Raya Real and DJ Mario PG, as well as concerts by The Zona Rock Band and DJ Kactux on Ribera de Curtidores street.
The San Cayetano, San Lorenzo, and La Paloma festivals will once again fill the streets of the Centro district over the coming weeks with concerts, cultural activities, community proposals, and traditional events, establishing themselves once again as one of the major highlights of the Madrid summer.
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