On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Vilanova dos Infantes was officially designated as one of Spain’s Most Beautiful Towns, becoming part of one of the country’s most prestigious rural tourism associations. “This recognition is a testament to sustainable, orderly, and respectful urban development, as well as to the preservation of our traditions, culture, roots, and ethnography. An identity linked to Vilanova’s historic trades: musicians and shoemakers, the last of whom retired last year after a lifetime of service,” said Mayor Antonio Puga, who added that, beyond the fact that Vilanova is already a destination that welcomes thousands of visitors each year, “we are confident that this recognition will also boost tourism, putting Vilanova on the tourist map of Galicia and Spain. The Raigame pilgrimage has been the great ambassador for this visibility, carrying the name of Vilanova beyond the regional level. Along with other award-winning towns, we hope this recognition will result in an influx of visitors, the creation of new businesses, and the economic revitalization of the town, as evidenced by the recent awarding of the contract to operate the Torre restaurant.”

The event began at 12:00 p.m. with a welcome from the official emcee and a brief introduction to the history and cultural heritage of Vilanova dos Infantes. Next, the president of the Association of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain, Francisco Mestre; the provincial deputy and president of Inorde, Rosendo Luis Fernández; the director of the Galician Tourism Agency, Xosé Manuel Merelles; and the regional delegate, Manuel Pardo, who offered their congratulations and highlighted the importance of this recognition for tourism and the province’s development. “Vilanova dos Infantes exceptionally embodies the authenticity and beauty of a Galician village. At ‘The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain,’ we are very pleased to welcome this village, which we consider to perfectly embody what the most beautiful villages of Spain are and what they are like,” said Francisco Mestre.

The Dancers and the Marching Band

The celebration featured the Vilanova Marching Band, which performed two pieces: “Banda Gallega” and the Galician Anthem. Between the two performances, the Dancers of Vilanova showcased their ancestral guild dance in a moving performance that featured the debut of two new dancers, demonstrating that the dance is more alive than ever.

One of the most moving moments came shortly after 12:30 p.m. with the unveiling of the plaque proclaiming Vilanova dos Infantes as one of Spain’s Most Beautiful Towns, followed by an official group photo with the attending authorities. The image of the plaque will serve as a symbol of this historic day for the town.

After the official conclusion of the ceremony, the Celanova City Council hosted a reception featuring Galician wine in the Plaza del Balcón, open to all residents and invited institutions, as a symbol of togetherness and shared celebration.

An Accolade with International Impact

The Association of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain brings together municipalities that demonstrate exceptional scenic, heritage, and cultural value, and Vilanova dos Infantes’ inclusion represents a significant boost for tourism in the area. This recognition also highlights the collective effort of the local community and institutions, the true guardians of an exceptional historical legacy: a medieval village unique in Galicia, with the Keep, the Church of San Salvador, and the Sanctuary of El Cristal standing as witnesses to a heritage kept alive thanks to the care and pride of its people.

The non-profit Association, founded in 2010, currently brings together a total of 126 rural municipalities in Spain. In Galicia, in addition to Vilanova, the list includes Oseira (Cea) and O Castro de Caldelas in Ourense, as well as Negreira and Mondoñedo. The Association is part of the global federation that was founded in 1982 in France and currently comprises 1,038 towns from 12 different countries.