Entroido de Cobres celebrated its eighth edition in a particularly significant year following its recognition as a Festival of National Tourist Interest
On 27 June, Vilaboa hosted the 8th Entroido Gathering, a new edition of the event organised by the Asociaci贸n Cultural Cobres, once again turning the municipality into a meeting place for different traditional carnival celebrations.
Held in a particularly significant year for Entroido de Cobres, following its recent recognition as a Festival of National Tourist Interest, the Gathering remained true to the philosophy with which it was created: to provide a space where traditions, knowledge and experiences linked to intangible cultural heritage can be shared.
A day that began by sharing knowledge
The programme began at midday with a talk held at O Camar贸n Beach Bar, on Deil谩n Beach, where representatives of the participating carnival groups introduced the public to the history, traditions and distinctive features of their celebrations.
This was followed by a traditional Entroido de Cobres dance workshop led by the Asociaci贸n Cultural Cobres, giving visitors the opportunity to discover some of the dances that form part of this centuries-old tradition.
These activities marked the beginning of a day dedicated not only to showcasing traditional carnivals, but also to encouraging cultural exchange between participants and visitors.
An opening ceremony marked by a historic recognition
The 8th Entroido Gathering officially opened at 6:15 pm with speeches by Mart铆n Duarte, President of the Asociaci贸n Cultural Cobres, and C茅sar Poza, Mayor of Vilaboa.
During the opening ceremony, a commemorative video celebrated the recent recognition of Entroido de Cobres as a Festival of National Tourist Interest. The event highlighted that this distinction is the result of generations of local people who preserved the tradition over the centuries, together with the long-standing work carried out by the Asociaci贸n Cultural Cobres to promote and safeguard it.
Ten traditional carnival groups paraded through Cobres
Before the parade began, the organisers announced that, for reasons beyond their control, the Caretos of Lazarim, the Currumi帽os de Mos, and the Pantallas and Oleiro of Xinzo de Limia were unfortunately unable to attend this year’s event. The organisation thanked them for their willingness to participate and expressed its hope of welcoming them to future editions.
The parade opened with the Madamas and Gal谩ns of Entroido de Cobres, accompanied by the musicians of Aires de Cobres.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors enjoyed performances by the guest masquerade Bear of Salcedo, the Jarramplas of Piornal, the Veterans of Entroido de Cobres, the Aguasantas Carnival, the Merdeiros of Vigo, the Samede Carnival, the Andruido in La Par茅 de Piasca, the Madamas and Dancers of Salcedo Carnival, the Fuli贸n and Boteiros of Viana do Bolo, and finally the Xenerais da Ulla, who brought the parade to a close.
Each group presented a unique part of its local tradition, highlighting the richness and diversity of the traditional carnival heritage still preserved across different regions of the Iberian Peninsula.
A tribute to the participating groups
At the end of the parade, commemorative gifts were presented to all participating groups in recognition of their presence and their commitment to preserving and passing on their traditions.
During the ceremony, the Asociaci贸n Cultural Cobres underlined the importance of cooperation between associations and communities that work throughout the year to safeguard these traditional celebrations.
Music took centre stage
Following the closing speeches, attendees watched the screening of the Entroido de Cobres Anthem before the celebration continued with the Night of Gatherings.
The evening featured performances by Festicultores and The Tetas’ Van, while Gabry DJ and La Yaya DJ brought the event to a close with music lasting until the early hours of the morning.
Cultural exchange at the heart of the Gathering
Since its first edition, the Entroido Gathering has pursued a clear objective: to bring together communities that preserve traditional carnival celebrations, creating opportunities to exchange experiences, strengthen ties and promote intangible cultural heritage.
That philosophy was present throughout the entire day, from the opening talk to the parade, the presentation of commemorative gifts and the social gathering that followed.
The Asociaci贸n Cultural Cobres wishes to thank all the participating groups, volunteers, partner organisations, Vilaboa Town Council and everyone who contributed to making this eighth edition of the Entroido Gathering possible.
