The traditional carnivals of these three municipalities in Ourense have achieved recognition that highlights their cultural richness and strengthens their tourist appeal.
The Official State Gazette (BOE) has announced the declaration of the Carnivals of Manzaneda, Vilariño de Conso, and Viana do Bolo as Festivals of National Tourist Interest, a distinction that consolidates these celebrations as cultural and heritage landmarks both within and outside Galicia.
The decision comes after years of collective effort by residents who, generation after generation, have kept the tradition of these carnivals alive. The central government has emphasized that this recognition represents not only a tribute to the intangible heritage of the province of Ourense, but also an opportunity to boost tourism in the area.
The three Entroidos are characterized by the power of their folións, processions of residents who visit other towns as festive embassies, as well as by their traditional figures. In Manzaneda, the Mázcara is the main protagonist, while in Vilariño and Viana, the iconic figure of the Boteiro stands out, with its characteristic color and energy.
With ancestral origins linked to pagan rites, these celebrations have become a symbol of identity for their municipalities. Their declaration as Festivals of National Tourist Interest opens a new era that, in addition to reinforcing their cultural value, will serve to project their uniqueness and attract a greater number of visitors each winter.