Discover Ourense XVII: Allariz

Sandra has sent to Marietta (USA) a postcard featuring one of the loveliest towns in our province: Allariz.

The town of Allariz is in the province of Ourense, Autonomous Community of Galicia, Spain. It occupies the center of the western half of the province.

The hydrographic system is made up of the River Arnoia, which crosses the municipality from east to west. The surrounding hills are covered with pine and native oak. The valley itself is very fertile and the river banks are lined with trees, making the setting one of special beauty, as the postcard shows.

River Arnoia

Allariz constitutes one of the most important historical-artistic sites of Galicia. In the town there are admirable examples of military, religious, and civil elements.

Allariz

Allariz, aerial view

Rúas de Allariz

Rúas de Allariz

Allariz is also famous in Galicia for A FESTA DO BOI (Festival of the Ox)

According to a legend, the festival began in the Middle Ages. The Jewish community tried to ruin the procession of Corpus Christi when it was crossing their street on the way to the Church of Santo Estevo. Supposedly the Jews insulted the people, made fun of the religious symbols and provoked the priests and monks. This is when Xan de Arzúa, a man of religious convictions, decided to appear one year riding an ox carrying sacks with ants and ashes to throw at the faces of the disrespectful Jews.

Festa do Boi (Allariz)

In memory of this happening, every year during the festival of Corpus Christi, garlanded oxen run through the streets of the town.