Gijón has baptized a new green space with the name of Gardens of the Journalist José Antonio Rodríguez Canal, in a massive event attended by family, friends, media professionals, and institutional representatives. The event turned the area into a meeting place to remember the figure of a chronicler who left his mark on several generations.
The tribute comes as a posthumous recognition to a reporter who was already distinguished with the Silver Medal of the VillaHis extensive work at El Comercio and his approach to Gijón, with a professional and thorough approach, were the guiding thread throughout a sober, emotional ceremony with a distinctly civic spirit.
An event in the heart of the city
During the inauguration, the mayor Carmen Moriyon He emphasized that Canal was able to understand and feel Gijón from within, making journalism his way of experiencing the city. In his words, his figure has become a true memory of Gijón, someone who portrayed transformations, dreams and challenges with rigor and ethics.
The new space is located between the Coast Avenue and Vicente Innerarity Street, in the area popularly known as the Continental, between the La Arena neighborhood and El Bibio Square. The choice of this location, which is busy and close to their living environment, was celebrated by those attending.
It was also recalled that The municipality knew how to recognize his life's work, when he was awarded the Silver Medal, an award that he himself always considered a tribute shared with the city to which it was owed.
Journalistic career and civic commitment
More than four decades In the pages of El Comercio, they praised the career of Canal, who served as deputy director until his retirement in 2006. Colleagues highlighted his demanding work, his ethics that were resistant to trends, and his ability to leave a mark on new generations of journalists.
The director of El Comercio, Angel M. Gonzalez, recalled that his defense of Gijón wasn't a narrow-minded localism, but rather a way of broadening our vision to promote a stronger Asturias and a more prosperous country. In his chronicles, they maintain, many of the key aspects of Gijón's idiosyncrasy can be found.
Among his most recognizable signatures was the column Plaza Mayor, from which he approached the life of the city with knowledge of the facts and a critical spirit, always attentive to what improved or hindered the progress of the town.
The human wake: family, friends and writing
His brothers, Luis Miguel, Rubén and ManoloThey recalled the journalist's closest friends. They recalled motorcycle trips around Europe when they followed Sporting, road anecdotes with maps spread out, and thousands of miles shared as his "trusted chauffeur."
After retirement, Canal kept up the pace: he accompanied bullfighters to bullrings in Spain, France and Mexico, paying special attention to Morenito de ArandaAt home, they said, he was a tireless worker with an inexhaustible curiosity; his prescription was simple: "You have to read."
Former colleagues at El Comercio emphasized his loyalty and professional stature. For many, he was a teacher, colleague, and later a friend, a scholar of the things of Gijón and of the trade, with prodigious memory and the ability to teach without ostentation.
Sporting, bullfighting and cultural life
The Sporting side of the honoree appeared in numerous recollections: trips around Europe, chronicles and experiences linked to the red-and-white team. In the bullfighting world, his role as technical-artistic advisor of El Bibio and his tireless conversation about local and general news.
Those who shared responsibilities with him in the bullring underlined his judgment and his passion for debate, always with humor and without losing the pulse of the cultural life of Gijón.
Solidarity and social commitment
Beyond the newspaper, Canal poured time and energy into social support work. After announcing that he wanted to dedicate his time to volunteering upon retirement, he became involved in Project Man, accompanying and dialoguing with users with naturalness and respect.
Friends from Gijón's public life recalled long coffee talks that led to ideas and initiatives, such as his proposal for pedestrianize El Molinón AvenueFor others, he was the friend who showed up when there was a problem, discreet and efficient.
In the business and cultural spheres, their emotion was evoked on the day the event was launched. Harris Marinoni rotaryLawyers and journalists emphasized his good nature, culture, and willingness to debate, qualities that explain why so many people consider him unforgettable.
Dates and context of the tribute
Days before the official event, EL COMERCIO organized an open meeting in the space that would bear its name, held on Saturday 13 2025 September and updated on September 15, 2025. The institutional inauguration was scheduled for the following Friday at noon, with a large attendance and speeches focused on his journalistic and civic legacy.