The 31st Mussel and Cockle Festival of Vilanova de Arousa claimed today in its big day, the work developed by the hotel and catering sector of the municipality, which contributed to the ‘resurgence of the City Council’, as expressed by the councillor of Vilanova, Gonzalo Durán Hermida. The main event of the day was the reading of the proclamation and the presentation of the celebration’s Gold and Brilliant Badges.
Among the authorities present were the Regional Ministers of Education, Román Rodríguez, and of the Sea, Marta Villaverde, as well as the president of the Provincial Council of Pontevedra, Luis López; the director of Tourism of Pontevedra, Romina Fernández; the deputy delegates of Environment and Sea, Marcos Guisasola, and of Public Infrastructures, Mobility and Contracting, María Isabel Couselo; the deputy mayor and deputy, Javier Tourís, and various regional, provincial, county and local representatives.
The official chronicler of Vilanova, Benito Leiro, was in charge of reading this speech, although he was unable to attend due to an indisposition. In his place, the councillor for Education, Áurea Bermúdez, gave the speech by the journalist and writer. In this text, he first of all paid tribute to the bait and seafood sector of Vilanova de Arousa, these professionals being a basic pillar for ‘a fundamental industry for the economic development of Galicia’.
Afterwards, Leiro’s speech reviewed the most recent history of Vilanova, highlighting how places of reference have changed since the beginning of the 20th century, and how, little by little, the town has evolved to become what it is today: a town full of life and a reference also for the pilgrims who take the boat here to travel the only maritime-river Way of the Cross in the world until reaching Pontecesures and Padrón and, finally, to continue towards Compostela.
The literary village project
The proclamation also served as a tool to vindicate the town as a ‘literary village’ and also the recognition as a ‘literary historical site’ for its old quarter, given that its streets are full of allusions to the works of great writers such as Valle-Inclán and the Camba Brothers, among others. Gonzalo Durán took the baton of this claim to emphasise that achieving the title of ‘literary town is one of the most exciting future projects for our Town Hall in the coming years’.
The councillor then gave way to the presentation of the Gold and Brilliant Badges, which, in this thirty-first edition of the Mussel and Cockle Festival, they decided to “focus on the hotel and catering industry, because Vilanova had a renaissance two decades ago and was growing, thanks to the promotion that was done in all these years, which was always supported by the hotel and catering groups that made the grade. They are also responsible for ensuring that people who come to our town speak well of it”, he concluded.
The first to be honoured was Óscar Luis Casaldarnos Alonso, manager of the Faro de la Luna Bar-Restaurant, one of the most emblematic restaurants on the Vilanova promenade. The president of the Provincial Council of Pontevedra was in charge of imposing the Gold and Shiny Badge to this restaurateur.
Afterwards, one of the most emotional moments took place with the presentation of the decoration to Luis Lorenzo Oubiña, owner of the Hotel Camping Arco iris. Gonzalo Durán highlighted the work carried out by this professional for 40 years, turning a small family project into a reference and high quality hotel complex in Vilanova de Arousa. The presentation, in this case, was made by the Regional Minister of Education, amidst the cheers of the audience.
The third honoree was Benilde Varela Paulos, owner of O Lourancho de Baión, combining agricultural production with the hotel business. Although Benilde Varela was a hairdresser, about a decade ago she decided to bet on this family catering project that made this establishment a reference in the area. The Regional Minister of the Sea was in charge of presenting her with the Gold and Shiny Badge.
The event ended with a performance by the Charanga Mekánika Rolling Band, which livened up the streets of Vilanova from midday, making the visitors dance. Meanwhile, the gastronomic marquee was a new success, with long queues to buy tickets and taste the mussel and cockle dishes that can be eaten there until 23.00 today.
The big day of the 31st Mussel and Cockle Festival began at 10.00 a.m. with the opening of the 21st Opportunities Fair in Avenida de O Recheo, with a very good shopping atmosphere. The organisers of this activity expressed their satisfaction with the good response from the public.
The celebration will end today with a concert by Roi Casal in the Jardín Umbrío. This last event will start at 21.00 hours. Admission is free.
Crowded maritime procession and concert
Yesterday was marked by the traditional maritime procession in honour of the Virgen del Carme. Hundreds of people travelled aboard dozens of decorated boats along the route of the image of the patron saint of the people of the sea to the lighthouse of O Seixo, to finally make an emotional floral offering.
In the evening, the Plaza de O Castro was filled with people attending the concert by the group Milladoiro. An excellent finale to a day marked by tradition.
The XXXI Mussel and Cockle Festival of Vilanova de Arousa is possible thanks to the support of the Xunta de Galicia, the Diputación de Pontevedra and Abanca.