The celebration of FIMI in Asturias coincides with the process launched by the Regional Ministry of Culture of the Principality of Asturias to grant Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) status — as Intangible Cultural Heritage — to the full set of Asturian masquerade traditions. This represents an opportunity to strengthen the visibility and recognition of these traditions as an essential part of our cultural heritage.

The Asturian edition is funded by the Regional Ministry of Culture and is organised in collaboration with Oviedo City Council and the bid for Oviedo to become European Capital of Culture 2031. The active involvement of the bid project in this edition highlights its commitment to connecting European territories through culture, fostering exchange between communities, building international networks, and promoting intangible heritage as part of Europe’s shared cultural narrative.

The programme will unfold across different locations throughout the region, with special emphasis on municipalities where masquerade traditions remain alive. It will include exhibitions, a series of conferences and round tables with specialists from various European countries, concerts and live performances, craft workshops and demonstrations, as well as screenings of films and documentaries on European festivals and masquerade traditions. The programme will culminate on 13 June with a large parade in Oviedo — the central event of the festival — featuring around 600 participants from groups in Spain, Portugal and other European countries.

Since its first edition in Porto and its subsequent consolidation in Lisbon, FIMI has become a benchmark platform for cultural exchange between territories with strong masquerade traditions.