The mayors of Boqueixón, Ovidio Rodeiro Tato, and Lalín, Xosé Crespo Iglesias, signed this morning the twinning agreement between the Fiesta de la Filloa de Lestedo and the Feria del Cocido de Lalín. The signing took place within the framework of the IV International Beekeeping Fair of Lalín, under the watchful eye of the Regional Minister of Rural Affairs, María José Gómez Rodríguez.
A Ceremony with Distinguished Guests
The event was attended by José Manuel Canabal, president of the Cultural Association Fiesta de la Filloa de Lestedo; David Liñares, co-organizer of the “Alvariza” fair; José Luís Mareque, Tourism Councilor of Boqueixón; his counterpart from Lalín, Avelino Souto; the director of Agacal, Martín Alemparte; and the Director-General of Livestock, Agriculture, and Agri-Food Industries, José Balseiros, among other authorities.
A Big Brother
Ovidio Rodeiro expressed his gratitude for the work of both the Cultural Association Fiesta de la Filloa de Lestedo and the Lalín City Council in achieving this agreement, stating that “today, the Fiesta de la Filloa gains a big brother: the first gastronomic festival to be recognized as an International Tourist Interest event. A true role model to look up to and emulate.”
He also highlighted the many links between the two municipalities, asking, “Could anyone imagine a Carnival in Galicia without filloas or cocido? It’s unthinkable!” However, he assured the attendees that “although filloas are one of the traditional desserts of the Feria del Cocido, the friends from the Cultural Association of the Filloa will prove to you that they are much more than just a sweet treat. You will get to taste pairings with cocido ingredients that will surely surprise you.”
Another shared cultural reference he mentioned was writer Álvaro Cunqueiro, the first town crier of the Feria del Cocido, “who elevated the Cocido de Lalín to the status of a sacrament and once said that no restaurant should be allowed to call itself Galician unless it first passed the filloa test.”
Invitation for March 9
José Manuel Canabal took the opportunity to thank both town councils for their collaboration in the twinning agreement and invited all attendees to visit Lestedo on Sunday, March 9, “to enjoy the Fiesta de la Filloa with us, which this year will feature a special new addition: a tasting of Cocido de Lalín.”
Canabal also praised the dedication of the 220 members of the cultural association he leads, “not only on Piñata Sunday, taking shifts at the filloa-making machines and different stands, but also through the various activities we organize in the preceding months. The success of the Fiesta de la Filloa lies in the strong involvement of the local community in Lestedo.”
Lalín’s mayor emphasized that the beekeeping fair “kicks off the 57th Feria del Cocido, which this year includes a significant new feature—the twinning agreement with the Fiesta de la Filloa de Lestedo, signed today at Alvariza, and which we hope to solidify over time.”
Crespo also highlighted that, to make this partnership more visible, “a live cooking demonstration was held at midday, showcasing different preparations using Lestedo’s filloa. Additionally, the Ulla General, an essential part of the Fiesta de la Filloa, will participate in the parade of the Feria del Cocido on February 23. And on the big day of the Filloa, Sunday, March 9, Lestedo will serve Cocido de Lalín as the main dish of its official luncheon.”
Promoting Local Products
Finally, the Regional Minister of Rural Affairs emphasized the importance of Galician products and the need to promote the consumption of locally sourced foods, which help recognize the efforts of local producers and foster a strong connection between consumers and farmers.
Showcooking
Besides the twinning agreement, the Filloa de Lestedo had a strong presence at the IV International Beekeeping Fair of Lalín. From 9:00 a.m., master filloa-makers Isabel Tejo and Liliana Voicu prepared fresh filloas for hundreds of attendees to enjoy for free throughout the morning.
Additionally, chef José Manuel Mallón created a Lestedo filloa cake with Boqueixo cheese, paired with jams and honey, which he shared with visitors—especially the children attending the Feria’s drawing competition awards ceremony.
Following the signing event, Mallón hosted a live cooking session for about fifty guests, demonstrating the versatility of the filloa as a savory dish. The audience sampled Galician beef steak tartare on fried filloa, dehydrated lacón filloa with slow-cooked ribs, and the signature filloa cake with Boqueixo cheese.
