Jewish communities have been documented in Galicia since the 11th century, with a presence in towns and cities such as Ourense, Allariz, Monterrei and Pontevedra. Today, Monforte de Lemos, Ribadavia and Tui are part of the Network of Jewish Quarters of Spain – Caminos de Sefarad, helping to preserve and showcase this rich historical and cultural heritage.

Monforte de Lemos: medieval streets and ancient fortresses

In the heart of the Ribeira Sacra, Monforte de Lemos preserves the memory of a Jewish community that grew particularly from the 12th century onwards.

Start your visit at Monte de San Vicente, home to the Monastery of San Vicente do Pino, the Tower of Homage and the Palace of the Counts of Lemos. Look closely at the Tower of Homage and you may spot Stars of David carved into some of its stone blocks.

From here, the route leads down towards Porta Nova and along Rúa Falagueira, once the main street of the Jewish quarter. Continue through the historic streets of Pescadería, Zapatería and Abelardo Baanante, discovering the places where this community once lived and worshipped.

Ribadavia: the heart of Jewish heritage in O Ribeiro

In Ribadavia, Jewish heritage is an integral part of the town’s identity. Its Jewish community flourished from the 12th and 13th centuries, with trade and the famous wines of O Ribeiro playing an important role in its prosperity.

Start in the Praza Maior and wander through the old Jewish quarter, following its medieval streets towards Praza da Madalena and Porta Nova de Abaixo.

To delve deeper into this history, visit the Galicia Sephardic Museum, housed in the Pazo dos Condes de Ribadavia. And if you visit during the Festa da Istoria, you can step back in time with the recreation of a medieval Jewish wedding.

Tui: Jewish heritage on the banks of the Miño

Close to the Portuguese border, Tui offers another fascinating glimpse into Galicia’s Jewish past.

One of its most remarkable traces can be found inside Tui Cathedral, whose Gothic cloister features a menorah. From here, explore the old Jewish quarter and discover places connected with the everyday and religious life of the community.

Highlights include the Casa de Salomón, dating from the 15th century, the Torre do Xudeu and Porta Pía or Porta da Pila. You can also visit the cathedral’s Diocesan Museum, home to five sambenitos dating from the time of the Inquisition.

Three destinations, one shared history and a unique way to discover Galicia: walking through its historic quarters and travelling back through the centuries.

Ready to explore Galicia’s Jewish heritage and discover the stories hidden among its streets? Discover the full routes here.

In this article, we highlight especially those celebrations declared as International Tourist Interest and Galician Tourist Interest.

• Viveiro Holy Week (International Tourist Interest)

Viveiro’s Holy Week, in Lugo, is one of the oldest and most emblematic in Galicia. Its processions travel through the streets with numerous floats, some articulated, featuring religious images of great artistic value. Local brotherhoods fill the historic center with solemnity and reflection, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

• Ferrol Holy Week (International Tourist Interest)

Ferrol hosts more than twenty processions over eight days, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Among the most notable events are the Holy Encounter, the Holy Burial procession, and the night procession of Os Caladiños, with drums and solemnity. Hundreds of brotherhoods and thousands of faithful and visitors participate.

• Feast of the Holy Christ of Fisterra (Galician Tourist Interest)

At Europe’s westernmost point, Fisterra combines religious tradition with a striking natural landscape. The celebration is known for the Passion of Christ reenactments and the Dance of Our Lady of the Sands, a traditional dance held on Easter Sunday that brings together locals and visitors in festive movement and music.

• Cangas Holy Week (Galician Tourist Interest)

In Cangas, Pontevedra, the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday processions stand out for the participation of young people and brotherhoods who recreate scenes of the Passion with great emotion and devotion.

• Paradela Holy Week in Meis (Galician Tourist Interest)

The residents of Paradela realistically recreate scenes of the Passion, such as the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, or the crucifixion, transforming the streets into a living stage full of history.

• Betanzos Holy Week (Galician Tourist Interest)

In Betanzos, processions are combined with cultural events, such as sacred music cycles, turning the old town into an exceptional setting to experience these traditions.

• Mondoñedo Holy Week (Galician Tourist Interest)

Mondoñedo maintains a sober and reflective character, with celebrations centered on spirituality and tradition, reflecting the town’s centuries-old history and its connection with ancient brotherhoods and rites.

• O Carballiño Holy Week (Galician Tourist Interest)

Celebrated since the late 19th century, it combines the solemnity of the processions with a broad cultural program. Organized by the Cofradía da Vera Cruz, it includes the Procession of the Transfer of the Dolorous Virgin, the Procession of the Christ of Health, and the Glorious Procession of the Resurrection, accompanied by bands, choirs, and the performance of saetas.

• Santiago de Compostela Holy Week (Galician Tourist Interest)

In Galicia’s capital, processions pass by historic monuments and the Santiago Cathedral, offering a unique setting to experience Holy Week. From the blessing of palms to the Holy Burial, the city combines religious tradition with a vibrant urban atmosphere.

• Lugo Holy Week (Galician Tourist Interest)

Holy Week in Lugo stands out for unique events such as the Monday Drum Parade, in which all local brotherhoods participate, and the procession of the Blessed Sacrament under the canopy, a deeply emotional moment for the faithful and visitors alike.

Besides the celebrations, Holy Week is the perfect opportunity to:

• Explore each area and discover its historic corners.
• Enjoy Galician cuisine, from tapas to traditional dishes.
• Immerse yourself in local culture and experience Holy Week like a true Galician.

Start planning your getaway now!

Nativity scenes: births that come to life

One of the most emblematic Christmas traditions in Galicia is the nativity scene. These displays can be found in homes, churches, and public spaces, and sometimes are brought to life in living nativity scenes, where children, young people, and adults play the characters of the birth of Jesus.

Among the most prominent, declared a Galicia Tourist Interest Festival, are:

• Valga (Pontevedra): its Belén Artesanal en Movemento features over 4,000 figures, including contemporary characters. Each scene comes alive thanks to a complex network of mechanisms that attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. This year it celebrates its 30th anniversary, establishing itself as a benchmark of Galician Christmas.
• Begonte (Lugo): the Belén Electrónico, operating since 1972, combines classic Christmas scenes with representations of the rural world of Terra Chá, showcasing the richness of local culture. This year new figures have been added, including a Ferris wheel, the Víctor Corral House-Museum in Baamonde, and the automata ensemble “The Nativity within the Nativity”, in tribute to its creator José Rodríguez Varela and the priests José and Jesús Domínguez Guizán.

Galicia also offers many more nativity scenes worth visiting, such as: Belén da Grande Obra de Atocha, Belén de Betanzos, Belén da Orde Terceira, Belén de Arturo Baltar, Belén Xigante de Viveiro, the nativity scenes of Tui, Belén of Santiago Cathedral, Belén de San Vicente de Cespón in Boiro, Belén Artesanal en Movemento in Gondomar, and the parish Belén of San Marcos in Corcubión.

Each one brings its unique touch, combining tradition, creativity, and the magic of Galician Christmas.

The tizón de nadal: the magical log

In some areas of Pontevedra and Lugo, Christmas Eve is lit with the Tizón de Nadal, a large log partially burned in the fireplace or “lareira”. This tradition, of Celtic origin, symbolizes renewal and the start of a new cycle, connected to ancient winter solstice rituals.

The log that remained after the fire was kept as protection for the home, and its ashes were used as fertilizer or in home remedies. From this ancestral custom also come the marzipan or chocolate Christmas logs, sweets that evoke the magic of the fire and the richness of Galician traditions.

The Apalpador: The Coalman Who Cares for Children

Another deeply rooted Christmas tradition in Galicia is that of the Apalpador, a kind-hearted elderly coalman who, on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, comes down from the mountains to visit children while they sleep.

With his most famous gesture, he feels the children’s bellies to check if they have eaten well during the year. If they have been well-fed, the Apalpador leaves them a handful of chestnuts; if not, he gives them a little coal as a reminder.

Originating in the areas of Os Ancares and O Courel, this tradition has been revived in recent years and resembles other northern Spanish Christmas figures, such as the Basque Olentzero or the Catalan Tió, earning him the affection of all as the beloved Galician Santa Claus.

Panxoliñas: carols that fill the streets

The panxoliñas, traditional and typical Galician Christmas carols, fill streets, squares, and homes with music during the festive season. Singing or listening to these melodies is a way to keep Galician musical traditions alive and to connect with the culture and festive spirit of the region.

They tell the story of Jesus’ birth and celebrate the arrival of Christmas. Their lyrics often speak of family, joy, and the magic of the season, and they are frequently accompanied by bagpipes, tambourines, or other traditional instruments, creating a unique and magical atmosphere.

Are you ready to feel the magic of the season and enjoy these Galician traditions? We’re waiting for you!

Five Carnivals Declared Festivals of Tourist Interest

The event brought together some of the most emblematic figures from the carnivals officially recognized as Festivals of Tourist Interest, true cultural treasures that attract visitors from all over the world:

• Entroido de Xinzo de Limia: famous for its duration, one of the longest in Europe.
• Entroido de Verín: featuring the iconic cigarróns, characters with wooden masks and spectacular costumes.
• Entroido Viana do Bolo: marked by the sound of fulións with bass drums and drums.
• Entroido de Cobres (Vilaboa): elegant, with the colorful madamas and galáns.
• Os Xenerais da Ulla: unique for their stops and atranques, satirical dialogues on horseback.

Twelve More Traditional Carnivals

Alongside them, the parade featured twelve other traditional carnivals, each showcasing the richness and variety of this festival throughout Galicia:

• As Bonitas de Sande (Cartelle): with spectacular ribbon and flower headdresses.
• Os Vellaróns de Riós: masked characters with cowbells announcing the festival.
• Entroido de Samede (Paderne): masks adorned with feathered hats, colorful ribbons, and Manila shawls.
• Os Felos e Madamas de Esgos: colorful costumes with carefully crafted cardboard masks.
• Os Galos da Mezquita (A Merca): masks with eye masks, bright-colored outfits, cane, and rooster-shaped hats.
• Os Follateiros de Lobios: known for costumes made from corn leaves.
• As Madamitas e Madamitos de Entrimo: wearing elegant and refined attire.
• Touro e Xigante de Celavente (O Bolo): the Xigante wears a white suit, red scarf with small flowers, a hat with pompoms, and colorful ribbons. The Touro is a structure covered with a quilt and crochet fabric adorned with ribbons, with two horns in front for charging.
• Fulión de Buxán (O Bolo): powerful percussion with drums and hoes striking the ground.
• Entroido de Salceda de Caselas: groups composed of six dancers, two ladies, and gentlemen who organize the celebration.
• Entroido de Mugares (Toén): traditional masks adding mystery to the festival.
• Os Cabreiros de Muíños: characters covered in animal skins and cowbells, evoking rural life.

A Cultural Heritage Full of Music and Color

The Entroido is a true reflection of Galicia’s ethnographic wealth. This parade allowed visitors and participants to enjoy some of the most unique carnival characters and to celebrate the traditions that each local community keeps alive.

More and more Galician carnivals are recognized as Festivals of Tourist Interest, both at regional, national, and international levels. Furthermore, the declaration of the Entroido as an Asset of Cultural Interest confirms its significance within Galicia’s heritage.

Will you come and experience it yourself? Galicia is waiting for you with its most colorful traditions, full of music, masks, and unique characters that make the Entroido an unforgettable celebration.

Main objectives

ULTREIA_Sudoe aims to boost inland tourism and activate rural areas through the enhancement of natural and cultural resources, especially agri-food traditions and crafts, linked to the Pilgrims’ Roads to Santiago. The objective is to generate a shared strategy for the enhancement of natural and cultural material and immaterial resources on the Pilgrims’ Routes to Santiago, as well as the productive capacity for crafts, creativity and agri-food production, in order to bring them closer to tourists and pilgrims and guarantee respectful, conscious and authentic tourism and sustainable economic and social development.

Planned actions

To achieve these objectives, the project will implement various actions:

Diagnosis and design of transnational strategy: An analysis of needs, risks and opportunities linked to the Pilgrims’ Routes to Santiago will be carried out to define common lines of action for the socio-economic development of the area.

Development of digital tools: Geolocalised databases and flow management systems will be created to support the management of the Pilgrims’ Routes to Santiago.

Implementation of pilot actions: Hubs of dynamisation of the Routes of Santiago and Stops on the Way will be established to promote the diversity of local production and the digital transformation of the pilgrim and tourist experience.

Transnational collaboration

• The project involves several entities from Spain, France and Portugal, including:
• Fundación Camino Lebaniego (Spain)
• Fundación Santa María la Real (Spain)
• Agence française des chemins de Compostelle (France)
• Município de Vila Pouca de Aguiar (Portugal)
• Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (Portugal)

This collaboration seeks to ensure the sustainability of the project and keep the cooperation between the entities involved alive beyond its completion in 2026.

In short, ULTREIA_Sudoe is an ambitious project that aims to revive inland tourism and revitalise the rural areas of south-western Europe through the enhancement of the Pilgrims’ Roads to Santiago, promoting sustainable economic and social development in these territories.

Easter Week in Betanzos

Betanzos, known as the “city of knights”, has a deeply-rooted and devout Easter Week. The celebrations begin on the Friday of Sorrows with a mass in honour of the Virgen de los Dolores. Throughout the week, the cobbled streets of the old town are filled with sacred music and processions that reflect the deep religiosity of its inhabitants. Among the most outstanding events is the Easter Week Proclamation Concert, which marks the beginning of the festivities.

Beyond the religious celebrations, Betanzos offers multiple attractions for the visitor. The historic quarter is home to Gothic churches such as Santa María del Azogue and San Francisco, which are well worth a leisurely visit. The Parque del Pasatiempo, an encyclopaedic garden dating from the end of the 19th century, is surprising for its originality and symbolism. For nature lovers, the area around Betanzos has natural areas ideal for hiking and observing the local flora and fauna. On the gastronomic front, special mention should be made of its famous potato omelette, which gives its name to the way it is made (undercooked) and is delicious. Be sure to try it.

Easter Week in Mondoñedo

Mondoñedo, in the province of Lugo, celebrates an Easter Week that combines history, tradition and meditation in the incomparable setting of its historic quarter, presided over by the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. With roots dating back to the 16th century, these celebrations are a reflection of the popular faith of the area. The processions, characterised by their simplicity and sobriety, are an invitation to reflection and meditation.

In addition to the religious celebrations, Mondoñedo offers visitors a rich cultural and natural heritage. The cathedral, known as the ‘kneeling cathedral’ because of its harmonious proportions, houses an interesting cathedral museum. Strolling through the streets of the old town you can discover charming corners and taste the famous ‘Mondoñedo cake’. Nearby, the ‘little Venice’ is a picturesque district criss-crossed by canals reminiscent of the Italian city.

For nature lovers, the region offers hiking routes that allow you to enjoy landscapes of great beauty and discover places such as the Rei Cintolo cave, the largest in Galicia. Mondoñedo’s proximity to the coast of Lugo also facilitates excursions to seaside towns such as Foz or Burela, where you can enjoy beaches and excellent cuisine based on seafood products with their own name, such as hake from Celeiro or tuna from Burela. You should also try the Tarta de Mondoñedo, a sweet made with angel hair and almonds, a typical local dessert.

In short, Easter Week in Betanzos and Mondoñedo is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions and, at the same time, discover the rich cultural and natural heritage that these towns and their surroundings offer visitors.

Easter Week in Cangas

Cangas, a seaside town in the province of Pontevedra, celebrates one of the most important Holy Weeks in Galicia, recognised as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia. The antiquity of this celebration is reflected in the existence of brotherhoods such as the Virgen de los Dolores and de la Soledad, the Santísimo Cristo del Consuelo and the Misericordia, which date back to the 18th century.

The processions in Cangas are known for their solemnity and the fervour of the faithful. Among the most outstanding are.

• Friday of Passion: This begins with a high mass and culminates in a grand procession of the Virgin on an artistic throne under a canopy.
• Palm Sunday: The blessing of the palms takes place in the Xardíns de Félix Soage, followed by the procession with the image of Jesus mounted on the borriquita, especially loved by the little ones.
• Holy Wednesday: The ‘Procession of the Solitude of Mary’ goes through the old quarter, with a stop at the Plaza de la Señal for an offering to the Virgin.
• Maundy Thursday: The ‘Procession of the Holy Supper’ stands out, presided over by the valuable silver and gold processional cross, with pasos such as the ‘Holy Supper’ and ‘The Prayer in the Garden’.
• Good Friday: It begins with the morning procession ‘La Negación de San Pedro’, followed by the ‘Santo Encuentro’ in the Plaza de la Constitución. In the evening, the procession of the ‘Santo Entierro’ (Holy Burial) and, at midnight, the overwhelming ‘Procesión del Silencio’ (Procession of Silence).

This year, due to humanisation works in the centre of Cangas, the routes of some of the processions have been adapted to guarantee the safety and proper development of the events.

Easter Week in Paradela (Meis)

In the parish of Paradela, in the municipality of Meis, Holy Week is experienced in a unique way through open-air theatrical performances that recreate the last days of Jesus’ life. These stagings, with the active participation of the local residents, have turned Paradela into a reference point for Easter Week in Galicia.

The programme of events includes.

• Palm Sunday: in the morning, in the Plaza do Outeiro, the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and the Blessing of the Branches are staged.
• Maundy Thursday: in the evening, in the atrium of the church, the staging of the Last Supper takes place.
• Good Friday: in the atrium of the church, the last hours of Jesus’ life are represented, followed by the Stations of the Cross to Monte da Croa, where the Crucifixion is staged. In the evening, at 10 p.m., the Desenclavo and the Holy Burial take place.
• Easter Saturday: the Resurrection Mass is celebrated, followed by a free tasting of the traditional Easter cake.
• Easter Sunday: the Resurrection of Jesus is staged in the church atrium, culminating in a sung Holy Mass.

In addition to the religious celebrations, both Cangas and Paradela and the surrounding area offer various activities to complement the visit.

Cangas: Enjoy the beaches of the Vigo estuary, go hiking along the Costa da Vela or visit the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands.

Paradela (Meis): Explore the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, a path along the Armenteira river, or visit the Monastery of Armenteira, a jewel of Cistercian Romanesque architecture.

The Rías Baixas Wine Route allows you to visit local wineries and taste the famous Albariño wine.

Easter Week in Cangas and Paradela is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions and discover Galicia’s cultural and natural wealth.

The festivities begin on Palm Sunday with the blessing of the palms and a procession through the main streets of the town, symbolising the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. During the week, various liturgical acts and processions take place, each with its own meaning and tradition.

On Maundy Thursday, the celebration of the Last Supper and the Washing of the Feet is significant, followed by the Passion procession, where the arrest of Jesus is represented. On Good Friday the Descent of Jesus is celebrated in the Church of Santa María das Áreas, where the day culminates with the Procession of the Holy Burial, considered one of the most deeply rooted in our tradition, gathering the greatest fervour of the Fisterran Holy Week and going through the streets of the town until the early hours of the morning.

On Easter Sunday thousands of pilgrims come to venerate the ‘Cristo da Barba Dourada’ and the representation of the Resurrection of the Lord. This is a play with living characters that narrates in verse the arrival of the disconsolate women at the tomb and their encounter with the angel who announces the Resurrection of the Lord.

In addition to the religious celebrations, Fisterra offers its visitors a rich cultural and natural heritage. The Fisterra Lighthouse is a must-see as it offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a place of great symbolism for the pilgrims who end their journey here.

The beaches in the area, such as Langosteira beach or Mar de Fóra, stand out for their wild beauty and crystal clear waters, ideal for those seeking a moment of relaxation in the middle of nature. In addition, the old town of Fisterra preserves its seafaring charm, with narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses and a wide gastronomic offer based on fresh seafood.

For those who wish to complement their experience during Easter, Fisterra and its surroundings offer multiple options. The hiking routes allow you to enjoy spectacular landscapes and connect with nature. Also, the proximity to other points of interest on the Costa da Morte, such as Muxía or Monte Pindo, provides the opportunity to further explore this region full of legends and traditions.

Easter Week in Fisterra is a manifestation of faith and tradition that transcends the religious to become a complete cultural and sensory experience. The combination of deeply rooted liturgical acts, a stunning natural environment and a rich gastronomic offer make Fisterra an unrivalled destination to experience Easter Week in Galicia.

The cobbled streets of the historic centre of Santiago become the setting for solemn processions organised by various brotherhoods. These manifestations of faith take place in squares and streets, allowing locals and visitors to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of meditation and tradition. In addition to the processions, liturgical ceremonies are held in the city’s emblematic churches and convents, offering the opportunity to get to know their architectural and spiritual wealth up close.

Compostela’s Holy Week is enriched by a musical programme that includes concerts of sacred and ancient music. These events, held in historic churches, offer a unique acoustic and cultural experience, fusing the spirituality of music with the majesty of religious spaces.

Taking advantage of your stay in Santiago during Easter Week, there are many options for exploring the surrounding area and discovering Galicia’s diverse landscape and culture.

Ría de Muros and Noia: A short distance from the city, this estuary offers picturesque seascapes and charming villages. It is ideal for boat trips, enjoying quiet beaches and savouring fresh seafood in towns such as Muros and Noia.

Padrón: Known for being the place where, according to tradition, the boat with the remains of the Apostle Santiago arrived, Padrón is also the birthplace of writers such as Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela. A stroll through the historic centre and a visit to the House-Museum of Rosalía de Castro are highly recommended. The Cela Foundation can be visited?

Camellia Route in the Galician pazos: Galicia is famous for its camellias, flowers that adorn the gardens of numerous pazos and stately homes. The Camellia Route allows you to visit these historic gardens and enjoy the beauty of these flowers, both in nearby pazos, such as those of Oca or Santa Cruz de Ribadulla, and in the Alameda de Santiago.

Tasting lamprey: The lamprey, an ancestral fish, is a delicacy in Galician gastronomy. During the season, several restaurants in the vicinity of Santiago offer this dish prepared according to traditional recipes, providing a unique culinary experience. And finally, Tarta de Santiago, a typical local almond cake.

Holy Week in Santiago de Compostela is a fusion of spirituality, culture and tradition. Taking part in its processions, enjoying its gastronomy and exploring the charms of its surroundings make this celebration an unforgettable experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of Galicia.

Easter Week in Lugo is a religious and cultural event that attracts numerous visitors every year. Local brotherhoods organise processions through the cobbled streets of the old town, offering a unique experience that combines faith and tradition.

The Camino Primitivo, the oldest Jacobean route connecting Oviedo with Santiago de Compostela, also passes through the city. Pilgrims on this route can enjoy the hospitality of Lugo, taste the local gastronomy and admire the historic architecture of the city. Continuing the Camino from Lugo allows pilgrims to immerse themselves in authentic Galician landscapes, with green hills and lush forests.

Gastronomy is another of its great attractions. There you can taste traditional dishes such as octopus, Galician empanadas and a variety of delicious tapas. The city also has numerous markets and fairs where you can buy local and handmade products.

Beyond the religious festivities, Lugo offers a variety of activities for those who wish to explore the surrounding area:

• Walks along the Roman Wall: Walking along the more than two kilometres of the wall that surrounds the old town is an experience that combines history and panoramic views of the city.
• Visit to the Cathedral of Santa María: This temple, which combines Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles, is an architectural jewel not to be missed.
• Roman Thermal Baths and Spas: Lugo has thermal waters that have been exploited since Roman times. Nowadays, it is possible to enjoy these waters in modern spas that offer wellness and relaxation.
• Ribeira Sacra Route: A short distance from Lugo, this region is known for its landscapes of terraced vineyards and historic monasteries. The canyons of the river Sil offer spectacular views and the possibility of catamaran trips.

Easter in Lugo is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Galician culture, enjoy its rich gastronomy and explore historic routes such as the Primitive Way. Whether it’s taking part in the processions, walking the Roman wall or venturing into the surrounding countryside, Lugo offers an enriching experience for all visitors.