One of the most iconic festivals that define Galicia is, without a doubt, the Entroido. It is not just a simple celebration; rather, it is a cultural and ritualistic universe that blends elements such as history and anthropology, craftsmanship, music, theater, gastronomy, and more. It preserves a living memory, passed down and revived generation after generation by the people of rural areas.
Its significance makes it a long- lasting events; in the Galician community, it extends for up to a month, making it one of the most popular festivals in all of Spain.
Almost immediately after the Christmas celebrations end, preparations for the carnival season begin throughout Galicia. This is especially true in the province of Ourense, home to three of the most unique Entroido, known for their ancestral traditions: Manzaneda, Viana do Bolo, and Vilariño de Conso. These three are part of a select group of nine Entroidos officially recognized as Festivals of Galician Tourist Interest.
In its original conception, this festival was celebrated to mark the end of winter, encouraging people to dress up in costumes to ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune or the upcoming harvests.
Felipe-Senén López Gómez, historian of Galician culture, highlights that the origins of the Galician Entroido can be found in "all periods of history" because, he argues, "as men and women become aware of the four seasons, agrarian celebrations emerge." In this way, it is believed that Entroido could date back to the Neolithic period, although it has naturally undergone adaptations and transformations throughout different historical moments.
"The essence of a people lies in its origins," explains Felipe Senén, who is certain that the key to its continuity is the creativity and innovation that Galician creators bring to the tradition.
"Entroido must be understood in order to be cherished and protected." Felipe argues that its castrexo and parish-based character is what gives the various forms of the Galician Entroido their unique identity. "The masks, the costumes, the rituals" serve as an ethno-archaeological record that must be preserved.
The Entroido festival is synonymous with tradition, culture, roots, and identity. In these three magical places, during the carnival season, the streets are packed with people who gather to laugh at themselves in a joyful celebration.
Entire families take part, year after year, in the same folión. Multiple generations join in the parade on the most important day of the festival. Because Entroido is also about collective participation—everyone, without exception, is involved.
The organization and preparations serve as bonds of unity and fraternity among neighbors, who dedicate themselves to every detail. People also visit one another, as these are borderland Entroidos, and residents of the three municipalities take part in each other's celebrations.
From this deep community involvement, numerous nonprofit associations have emerged, created to "promote popular culture," "revitalize the spirit of Entroido," and preserve and maintain "the cultural and natural heritage of Galicia."
One of the most important and well-known singularities of these Entroidos is the distinctive masks and characters associated with each celebration. In Manzaneda, the traditional Mázcara takes center stage, while in Vilariño de Conso and Viana do Bolo, the iconic figure is the Boteiro.Additionally, the three celebrations observe the xoves de compadres and xoves de comadres on two consecutive Thursdays, with men celebrating first, followed by women the following week, marking the arrival of Entroido.
Each of these Entroido celebrations is accompanied by a gastronomic feast, helping to ward off the cold of the season. In Manzaneda, a traditional Entroido meal is held after the Tuesday parade. In Vilariño de Conso, the Fiesta del Cabrito coincides with domingo gordo of Entroido, just as in Viana do Bolo, where the traditional Fiesta de la Androlla takes place.
When Entroido comes to an end, on Mércores de Cinza (Ash Wednesday), all three towns bid farewell in the same way—with sorrow and tears over the conclusion of the festivities.
Visitors who choose Manzaneda can explore various points of interest throughout the municipality. Its proximity to the only winter resort in Galicia makes it a top destination for mountain tourism, especially during the winter season. However, seasonal tourism is growing steadily, not only due to the appeal of the ski resort but also because of the many fascinating sites in the surrounding area.One such place is Las Ermitas, home to one of the most historically significant sanctuaries in eastern Ourense, blending both pagan and religious traditions.
Viana do Bolo offers a fascinating blend of historical and natural heritage, making it a tourist destination with much to explore. The writer Ramón Otero Pedrayo captured its essence, noting that Viana "is unlike other Galician towns (...) that have overshadowed their old quarters. It retains its structure as a town centered on the main square; it has the appearance of a city. The old bridge, the deep riverside paths of the Camba and Bibei, and nearby villages like San Mamede offer walks and landscapes of captivating beauty."
Vilariño de Conso is located in the heart of the mountains, with elevations ranging from 630 meters to over 1,500 meters above sea level. Its landscape presents fascinating contrasts, offering a wide range of opportunities for those interested in outdoor activities or simply in enjoying nature. Of particular note is O Invernadeiro, one of the six natural parks in Galicia, which stands out for its pristine beauty and biodiversity.
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