Memories on the Banks of the Piloña River: A Human Library at El Prial

On June 21, El Prial opened its doors to welcome the Human Library team, hosting stories from the people of L'Infiestu and neighboring villages along the Piloña River. When we asked about El Prial, the response was as rich as the place itself. It’s more than a meeting space; it’s a bridge connecting people and projects invested in social progress for the eastern part of Asturias.

“El Prial refers to water, to a spring that flows continuously… Water must continue to nourish our future and that of generations to come,” shared Cándido, one of the voices of the day.

Founded as an educational center in 1975, El Prial began as a vocational school in L'Infiestu, using a European model that combined classroom learning with hands-on internships. Today, it’s also the Center for Volunteering and Social Participation, a cornerstone for fostering community service and associations in eastern Asturias.

Arriving on a sunny Friday afternoon, we prepared for our third Human Library event. Organized into three storytelling spaces, we gathered to listen to the voices of those who came to share. The stories of childhood, migration, and the history of El Prial itself filled the rooms with warmth and reflection. At the end of the day, we all gathered in the chapel, sharing thoughts, singing traditional Asturian songs, and giving a memorable close to a day filled with history and hope.