Asturian journalist and writer Damián Barreiro Maceiras died unexpectedly at the age of 40 on February 5, 2025, at his home in Avilés. His death has triggered widespread mourning within the Asturian cultural community, as tributes pour in from colleagues, friends, and advocates of the Asturian language.
Barreiro, who worked for Europa Press since 2017, was known for his commitment to promoting the Asturian language and culture, primarily through his work covering regional and local news. His colleagues at the news agency described him as "alegre, comprometido y gran compañero" (cheerful, committed, and great colleague), highlighting the deep sense of loss felt by all who worked alongside him.
Born in 1984, Damián Barreiro was not just a journalist but also a leading figure in Asturian literature. He graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Basque Country and held additional qualifications including a master’s degree in Cultural Management from the Universidad Oberta de Catalunya and specialization studies from the University of Oviedo. His academic background allowed him to produce significant research on the Asturian language and culture, resulting in several awards.
He was particularly recognized for winning the prestigious Premio Máximo Fuertes Acevedo for his essays on three separate occasions: "Caleya Sésamu: el papel de la televisión na tresmisión interxeneracional de la llingua" (2014), "Asturploitation" (2018), and "Asturianía kitsch: decálogu de la cultura pop ástur" (2022), making him the only author to achieve this distinction multiple times.
The emotional depth of his contributions was echoed by the Xunta Pola Defensa de la Llingua Asturiana, who shared: "Morriónos un amigu y nun nos salen les palabres. Él, que trabayaba con elles, que con aquella facilidá discurría llibros, artículos, comunicaos.. y nós agora tamos con un ñudu nel corazón q nun nos dexa parlar. ¡Cuánto te vamos echar en falta, compañeru!" (Damián has left us. A friend has died, and words escape us. He who worked with them, who could so easily produce books, articles… and now we are left speechless with grief. How much we will miss you, friend!).
The loss of Barreiro has not gone unnoticed by the wider cultural community. Ediciones Trabe, one of the publishers with whom he collaborated, expressed their sorrow by stating, "Tovía plasmáu y col sustu en cuerpu nesti día bien triste, l'equipu d'Ediciones Trabe nun pue facer otro que guardar silenciu y recordar a Damián Barreiro" (We are still shocked and deeply saddened. The Ediciones Trabe team can only remain silent and honor the memory of Damián Barreiro, our fellow, and tireless advocate for culture). Similarly, Hoja de Lata extended their condolences, calling Barreiro one of the most original minds of Asturian culture.
Reactions continued to flow from notable personalities and organizations within the Asturian cultural sphere. Musician Rodrigo Cuevas and the band Skama La Rede conveyed their sadness over Barreiro's passing, emphasizing the void left behind by his departure. Amidst the sentiments expressed, it was also highlighted by the cultural representatives at the Congress Mundial de Cultura Asturiana (CMCA)—an event happening concurrently with the news of his death—where they held a minute of silence to honor his memory and contributions.
Barreiro's engagement with the Asturian community extended beyond his role as a journalist. He maintained the YouTube channel "Horros & Frixuelos," where he explored relationships between contemporary culture and Asturian identity, showcasing his passion for the region's cultural heritage.
Despite his untimely passing, the legacy of Damián Barreiro will endure within the hearts and minds of those he influenced. His dedication to the Asturian language and culture, along with his prolific writing and journalistic integrity, has left an indelible mark on the discourse surrounding Asturian identity.
Many will continue to champion the causes he cared deeply about, inspired by the spirit of his work and the love he had for his homeland. Barreiro’s contributions will not be forgotten as the community moves forward, striving to honor and promote the Asturian culture and language he so passionately represented.