Raigame Pilgrimage – Preserving the historic landscape of Vilanova dos Infantes
Published on 28 May 2021
Spain
Galicia
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About this good practice
Vilanova dos Infantes is a small medieval town in Galicia, with the precious historic and architectural heritage, as well as a rich intangible heritage related to the ancestral local and regional traditions of Galicia. The main challenge for a community was an attempt to combine the preservation of the extremely precious built heritage with equally important, rich intangible heritage, but also to provide a greater visibility and respect for the cultural heritage of the area and to reinforce its relevance to local community, increasing the feelings of belonging.
The Council of Celanova has been setting up various projects and events and one of the most attractive is the Raigame Pilgrimage, the ethnographic festival held every year in May. During the day of a festival, the city of Vilanova dos Infantes becomes a living heritage sight, offering numerous activities for the visitors: besides visiting heritage buildings, audience can enjoy many on-site activities, such as various performances of traditional dances, theatre plays and representation of traditional crafts.
The Council of Celanova has been setting up various projects and events and one of the most attractive is the Raigame Pilgrimage, the ethnographic festival held every year in May. During the day of a festival, the city of Vilanova dos Infantes becomes a living heritage sight, offering numerous activities for the visitors: besides visiting heritage buildings, audience can enjoy many on-site activities, such as various performances of traditional dances, theatre plays and representation of traditional crafts.
Resources needed
The project is mainly funded annually by the municipal funds 25.000 €, the additional resources are provided by the Provincial Council 15.000 €, and the Regional Government of Galicia 5.000 €. The Municipality makes project in order to get extra funds, the "Parabens Prize competition" .
Evidence of success
The project ensures the sustainability of the ancient traditions, crafts and culture, also enhancing the attractiveness of the city’s heritage to a wide public. Not only that the intangible heritage of the city is preserved that way, but this project also raises the awareness of the local residents about the importance and the economic potential of their heritage, and thus of the need for its conservation.
Potential for learning or transfer
The important of this good practice is the way to maintain the cultural heritage, organizing a big cultural event involving local community and tourist. At the same time the Council restoring built heritage ,Tower. The public management assure that the cultural heritage be protected. Other important thing is the implication of the cultural department of the Council to organize several events along the year than enhance the impact in the main event. Although the council is in permanent contact with other similar heritage sites with which to collaborate and one of the fundamental objectives is the ethnographic pilgrimage of Raigame is to promote the creation of a European network of ethnographic pilgrimages. The festival promotes the intangible heritage of the community, engaging with local inhabitants, it is gradually reinforcing a community’s sense of pride. As such, it can be perceived as a way to guarantee the safeguarding of the city and its tangible and intangible heritage.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
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Organisation
Celanova Council
Spain
Galicia
Contact
Technician