Thank you for making October 1 come alive across the entire network
05 Oct 2026 · 13:24
On October 1st, the main squares, towers, and heritage corners of our network were once again adorned with the flag of Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España. Far from being a mere formality, the commemoration of our big day demonstrated the vitality and strength of the 126 municipalities that make up the association: a network united by a love for our roots, the preservation of architectural excellence, and the conviction that rural areas are the living heart of the country.
From the association, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the mayors, councilors, municipal technicians, and, above all, the residents who filled the streets. Their direct involvement turned this date into a powerful platform for advocacy and a true celebration of community.
A single flag and a common voice at 12:00
At midday, the town halls and historic buildings of the network simultaneously hosted the raising of the official flag and the public reading of the association's manifesto.
In Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca), residents and municipal representatives gathered in the Plaza Mayor to give voice to a text focused on defending the rural future. In Ampudia (Palencia), the reading of the manifesto brought residents together in front of its iconic porticoed architecture. In Galicia, Vilanova dos Infantes (Ourense) celebrated its debut on this day with the raising of the official flag, viewed from above from the top of its historic Torre del Homenaje. In Yanguas (Soria), Molinaseca (León), or Valverde de los Arroyos (Guadalajara), the day was experienced with the same commitment, reminding us that the conservation of heritage requires real opportunities, public services, and generational renewal for those who sustain the territory.
Open doors: castles, museums, and shared heritage
October 1st was also an opportunity to share the history and cultural legacy of our municipalities with visitors and residents through open house days and free activities:
Frías (Burgos): Opened the doors of its imposing Castillo de los Duques de Frías free of charge, allowing visitors to explore one of the most unique medieval fortresses in the network.
Olivenza (Badajoz): Organized a full day of open doors at its network of museums and historic churches, in addition to keeping the official flag hoisted at the town hall throughout the day.
Ampudia (Palencia): Added free access to both the Museo de Arte Sacro and the Museo de la Medicina to its institutional events, inviting people to rediscover the town's ethnographic and cultural wealth.
Lerma (Burgos): Offered free guided tours of its monumental Herrerian historic complex, bringing its courtly heritage closer to those who came to celebrate the day.
These events were joined by local initiatives linked to local commerce, artisans, and local producers, essential pieces for keeping our historic centers alive.
Defending a rural environment with a future
The reading of the manifesto in every town square left a clear and unanimous message: living in a small municipality must guarantee the same rights, services, and opportunities. During the events, there were calls for support for housing and the rehabilitation of historic buildings, the defense of the primary sector and the local economy, decent public transport without cuts that isolate villages, and stable funding for fire prevention and forest management throughout the year.
Thanks to every town and every local community for their commitment, their dedication, and for demonstrating, one more October 1st, that caring for our villages is caring for the memory and the future of all of society.