Since the beginning Bembibre´s Botillo Festival has had the figure of the «mantenedor» (chairman / chairwoman). It is a task with the highest honours that is attributed to a personality, generally of greater significance than the municipality, who acts as master of ceremonies of the event to enhance the knowledge of the Botillo and the diffusion of the Festival.

This position has been held by people of outstanding importance and recognized prestige in their professions. Proof of this is that two Presidents of Spain (José María Aznar and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero) have served as mantenedores; two presidents of the Autonomous Community; and award-winning representatives from the world of literature, communication and arts.

With their speeches and proclamations, the mantenedores have enriched and ennobled, the excellence of botillo, not only the typical dish itself, but also the traditions, culture and values of Bierzo in general and Bembibre specially. Contributing, with them presence, to give greater prominence to this gastronomic and cultural event.

A continuación puedes conocer la relación de mantenedores que han pasado por el Festival del Botillo de Bembibre desde sus inicios, en el año 1973.

Haciendo click en la imagen podrás accedes a una breve reseña de los mantenedores. La reseña se centra en su trayectoria hasta el año en que fue mantenedor.