From seafood to fish, and wines with Galician Designation of Origin, we bring you a tour of some of Galicia’s food festivals declared of Tourist Interest. Let’s go!

Festa da Lagosta e da Cociña Mariñeira na Guarda

July 3–7

Atlantic lobster is the star of this celebration, paying tribute to one of A Guarda’s most iconic products. Alongside seafood tastings and traditional maritime cuisine, the programme includes music, theatre, a craft fair, and guided tours along the Ruta das Cetáreas, which explores the history of traditional seafood preservation in the town.

Festa do Polbo de Mugardos

July 11

As part of the Festas do Carme, Mugardos dedicates a day to its most emblematic dish: octopus “á mugardesa,” prepared with a distinctive onion and pepper sauce. More than a thousand kilos of octopus are served each year along the promenade thanks to the work of hundreds of volunteers, in an atmosphere filled with music bands and traditional tunes.

Festa da Pescada do Pincho de Celeiro

July 18

Line-caught hake takes centre stage at this food festival in one of Galicia’s most important fishing ports. Visitors can enjoy it prepared in a variety of traditional recipes while also experiencing music and the traditional queimada ritual. The Pescada do Pincho de Celeiro was the first fresh seafood product to receive the Galicia Calidade seal.

Festa da Vieira de Cambados

July 16–19

Cambados hosts the only festival dedicated to scallops sold at the port of Tragove. Tastings, cooking demonstrations, cooking competitions, nautical activities, and maritime music make this one of the busiest summer events, set in a highly scenic area next to the Arousa estuary.

Festa do Viño Albariño de Cambados

July 28 – August 2

Considered one of Galicia’s great wine celebrations, it gathers thousands of visitors around the wineries of the Rías Baixas D.O. Strolling through A Calzada street while tasting Albariño directly from producers is an essential experience, along with concerts, cultural activities, and the prestigious official wine tasting competition.

Feira do Bonito de Burela

August 1–2

Burela, one of Galicia’s main tuna fishing ports, dedicates its major festival to northern bluefin tuna. Over the weekend, visitors can taste different preparations of this fish while the town fills with music, cultural events, and urban art thanks to the international Amarte mural painting competition.

Festa do Percebe de Aguiño

August 2–8

The Aguiño goose barnacle, harvested from some of the most exposed cliffs of the Galician coast, is the star of this festival highlighting the craftsmanship of local shellfish gatherers. Show cooking, maritime workshops, traditional music, and tastings offer visitors a closer look at one of the Atlantic’s most prized delicacies.

Festa do Mexillón e do Berberecho de Vilanova de Arousa

August 7–10

This festival celebrates two key products in the region’s canning history and local economy: mussels and cockles. Food tastings are combined with popular activities and strong community involvement, reflecting the deep link between maritime tradition and local identity.

Festa da Lamprea Seca de Arbo

August 8–10

Arbo shows that lamprey can also be enjoyed out of season thanks to its traditional dried preparation. During the festival, it can be tasted in various recipes paired with Rías Baixas wines, along with craft fairs, popular events, and visits to the Wine and Lamprey Interpretation Centre.

Festa do Polbo do Carballiño

August 10

One of Galicia’s most iconic food festivals gathers thousands of people around octopus prepared by the historic “pulpeiras” of Arcos. The Municipal Park becomes a huge open-air feast where, alongside octopus, you’ll also find Ribeiro wine, Cea bread, empanada, and traditional music.

Festa da Ameixa do Carril

August 10

The Carril clam takes centre stage at this festival held by the Arousa estuary, with views of Cortegada Island. Over the weekend, visitors can enjoy different preparations, especially the classic clam in marinara sauce, paired with Albariño wine and a cooking competition dedicated to this prized shellfish.

Festa da Anguía e Mostra da Caña do País de Valga

August 23–31

This celebration combines Ulla River eel tastings with the tradition of artisanal spirits produced in Valga. Alongside different dishes and distillates, the programme includes a popular queimada, traditional demonstrations, concerts, and cultural activities for all ages.

Festa do Viño do Condado do Tea en Salvaterra de Miño

August 29–31

The Salvaterra Fortress hosts one of Galicia’s oldest wine festivals. Wines from the Condado do Tea sub-zone of the Rías Baixas D.O. are paired with local cuisine, concerts, and popular gastronomic nights. On Sunday, the appointment of confraternity members and the selection of the “Viños Deliciosos” of the year take place.

Each of these celebrations is an opportunity to discover the region through its products, learn about local traditions, and enjoy the festive spirit that defines the Galician summer.

Below is a list of Galicia’s Festivals of Tourist Interest (regional, national, and international) taking place in July:

Asalto ao Castelo

Vimianzo (A Coruña)
Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia
03 Jul – 04 Jul

The Asalto ao Castelo of Vimianzo is a celebration that recreates, in a festive way, the Great Irmandiña War of the 15th century, when the Galician people rose up against feudal power. During the night of the first Saturday of July, the fortress becomes the setting for a participatory reenactment in which locals and visitors become protagonists of the “assault”, accompanied by music, theatre, and humour.

The festival includes parallel activities such as the Medieval Dinner, the children’s “Asaltiño”, the Craft Fair, and popular parades, which fill the village streets with atmosphere throughout the weekend. A unique experience where history, participation, and spectacle come together to offer visitors an immersion into the most festive medieval Galicia.

Festa da Lagosta e da Cociña Mariñeira

A Guarda (Pontevedra)
Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia
03 Jul – 05 Jul

The Festa da Lagosta e da Cociña Mariñeira celebrates the maritime gastronomic tradition of A Guarda, with special emphasis on lobster and other high-quality seafood. This popular festival combines tastings, cultural activities, and music in a festive seaside atmosphere.

The program is completed with a craft fair and guided visits to the Cetáreas Route, allowing visitors to learn about the town’s fishing and canning traditions.
An event that invites visitors to enjoy the taste of the Atlantic in a unique maritime setting.

A Rapa das Bestas de Sabucedo

A Estrada (Pontevedra)
Festival of International Tourist Interest
03 Jul – 06 Jul

A Rapa das Bestas de Sabucedo is one of the most unique traditions in Galicia, where the aloitadores gather and cut the manes of wild horses by hand in a traditional enclosure (curro). The festival combines physical effort, ritual, and a deep connection with nature.

During the weekend, locals accompany the search for the horses in the mountains and their herding into the enclosure, where the main event takes place before thousands of visitors. An ancestral celebration offering a unique ethnographic experience in direct contact with Galician tradition.

A Rapa das Bestas de Candaoso

Viveiro (Lugo)
Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia
04 Jul – 05 Jul

A Rapa das Bestas de Candaoso is a livestock tradition in which the trimming of manes, deworming, and marking of wild horses is carried out. Over time, this work has become a spectacle that attracts many visitors every summer.

The curro takes place in a privileged natural setting, combining the excitement of handling animals with festive activities, music, and popular gastronomy. An experience that brings visitors closer to one of the most deeply rooted rural traditions in Galicia.

Festas das Cereixas de Paiosaco

A Laracha (A Coruña)
Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia
04 Jul – 05 Jul

The Feira das Cereixas de Paiosaco has its roots in ancient medieval fairs and pays tribute to a fruit that was economically important for decades in the Anllóns river valley. Celebrated on the first Sunday of July, it keeps a deeply rooted local tradition alive in A Laracha.

Festa de Exaltación do Pan de Cea

San Cristovo de Cea (Ourense)
Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia
05 Jul

The Festa do Pan de Cea pays tribute to one of Galicia’s most emblematic gastronomic products. The celebration includes workshops, a local product fair, and tastings of the famous bread baked in traditional village ovens.

On Sunday, the main event takes place in a festive atmosphere animated by traditional music, with the participation of bakers, artisans, and visitors. A gastronomic event that highlights bread-making tradition and the culinary richness of inland Galicia.

Festival Internacional Mundo Celta de Ortigueira

Ortigueira (A Coruña)
Festival of International Tourist Interest
08 Jul – 12 Jul

The Festival Internacional do Mundo Celta de Ortigueira is one of the major folk music references in Europe. For several days, the town hosts concerts, bagpipe band parades, and cultural activities in a festive seaside atmosphere.

The event also includes a large camping area, craft fair, and parallel programming that attracts thousands of visitors each year. A must-visit for lovers of Celtic music and contemporary Galician culture.

Festa da Faguía do Carnés 

Vimianzo (A Coruña)
Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia
09 Jul

The Festa da Faguía do Carnés is a medieval-origin celebration linked to the Confraternity of San Cristovo, now focused on a large communal tripe meal.

The festival preserves traditional elements such as an auction of offerings, popular music, and a community gathering in the Cerca area, where thousands share a meal in a festive and religious atmosphere. A gastronomic tradition combining history, devotion, and community in the Costa da Morte.

Festas de San Benitiño de Lérez

Pontevedra (Pontevedra)
Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia
11 Jul

The pilgrimage of San Benitiño de Lérez, next to the monastery of San Salvador de Lérez, brings together many devotees who attend masses, offerings, and rituals dedicated to the saint, to whom healing properties are attributed.

After the procession, the celebration continues in the Salóns do Lérez, marking the beginning of the festive summer in Pontevedra with popular tastings of mussels and empanada.

Festa do Polbo

Mugardos (A Coruña)
Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia
11 Jul

The Festa do Polbo of Mugardos pays tribute to one of the most emblematic products of its maritime tradition, linked since the 18th century to port fishing activity. Octopus, prepared in the Mugardos style with onion and pepper sauce, is the star of this gastronomic event held during the Festas do Carme.

Feira Franca Medieval de Betanzos

Betanzos (A Coruña)
Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia
10 Jul – 12 Jul

The Feira Franca Medieval de Betanzos recreates the medieval era with historical reenactments, markets, and shows in the historic centre of the city. The streets are transformed to host theatrical scenes, tournaments, and activities set in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The program includes music, street theatre, and craft stalls that complete the experience. A festival that allows visitors to travel back to the medieval past of one of Galicia’s historic cities.

Festividade do Apóstolo de Santiago

Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña)
Festival of International Tourist Interest
15 Jul – 31 Jul

The Festas do Apóstolo fill Santiago de Compostela with culture, music, and activities during the second half of July. The program includes concerts, street performances, and events for all audiences.

On 24 July, the fireworks display in front of the Cathedral stands out, followed by Galicia Day with the traditional offering to the Apostle and the solemn mass. A celebration that turns the Galician capital into the cultural and spiritual centre of the summer.

Festa da Vieira de Cambados

Cambados (Pontevedra)
Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia
16 Jul – 19 Jul

The Festa da Vieira, held in Cambados, is the only festival dedicated to the celebration of this shellfish marketed through the port of Tragove. Organised by many local associations, it brings together thousands of visitors around gastronomy and maritime tradition.

Feira do Viño do Rosal

O Rosal (Pontevedra)
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Festivals and Local Parties

No matter which town you’re in, if your village isn’t celebrating a festival, chances are the neighboring one is hosting a local party or “verbena.” Expect live bands, huge orchestras, colorful lights, fireworks, and most of all, guaranteed fun.

If you’ve never experienced a Galician verbena, get ready to be amazed. The passion for orchestras here is so intense that, especially in summer, many people follow them around like a festival pilgrimage.

Festival to Festival

Throughout the entire summer season, Galicia pulses with a diverse lineup of festivals covering all kinds of music styles: pop, rock, indie, folk, and even heavy metal.

O Son do Camiño and O Gozo Festival in Santiago de Compostela, Resurrection Fest in Viveiro, Caudal Fest in Lugo, Portamérica in Caldas de Reis (Pontevedra), the Ortigueira Festival and Morriña Festivalin A Coruña, Atlantic Fest in Vilagarcía de Arousa (Pontevedra), O Marisquiño in Vigo, Sil Fest in Valdeorras and Our Fest, among many others.

Impossible not to find one that suits your rhythm in the Concertos do Xacobeo program, which brings together all the festivals and musical events sponsored by Turismo de Galicia.

Five-Star Beaches

Galicia can win your heart in many ways, but one of the most irresistible is setting foot on its incredible beaches. Soaking up the sun, feeling the sea breeze, or strolling along the shore is even better when you do it on dreamlike sands like Rodas Beach in the Cíes Islands, Covas Beach in Ferrol, or A Lanzada Beach between O Grove and Sanxenxo.

And let’s not forget gems like the breathtaking As Catedrais Beach in Ribadeo, the unique Praia dos Cristais in Laxe, or the vast, wild beach of Carnota.

Step Back to the Middle Ages

If you love dressing up and immersing yourself in another era, this plan is perfect for you. It’s not enough to just stroll among craft stalls or pick up a souvenir, to truly enjoy a medieval fair, you have to dive into the reenactments and join the fun.

Don’t miss events like the Festa da Istoria in Ribadavia, the Feira Franca in Pontevedra, the Medieval Fair in Noia, or the Feira Franca Medieval in Betanzos.

Charming Villages That Captivate

Without a doubt, summer wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of Galicia’s most enchanting villages. Whether small fishing towns or mountain hamlets, these places offer the perfect escape to relax and recharge.

Santo André de Teixido or Redes in A Coruñam Combarro or Tui in Pontevedra, O Cebreiro and O Barqueiro in Lugo and Ribadavia or Allariz in Ourense. And that’s just the beginning, Galicia is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Still, we’re sure we’ve left many wonders unmentioned, and one summer won’t be enough to explore them all.

Feira do Viño do Rosal
July 18 to 20

Save the third weekend of July in your calendar because the XXXIII O Rosal Wine Fair takes place then. The event features wineries from the D.O. Rías Baixas, whose wines are not only exquisite but also boast awards in prestigious categories. For wine and sports lovers, the event includes a 10-kilometer race that runs through the vineyards of a participating winery. What are you waiting for, runners?

Festa do Viño Albariño
July 30 to August 4

Without a doubt, one of the most important events in the Galician festive calendar. The Albariño Festival in Cambados welcomes about 150,000 people over five days. The atmosphere is unbeatable! Paseo da Calzada fills with booths from the best wineries in the area, offering their Albariños at very affordable prices. Enjoy live music shows while discovering interesting facts about the production of the famous Albariño.

Feira do Viño de Monterrei
August 8 to 10

The XVIII Monterrei Wine Fair combines gastronomy and music with the wines of this Denomination of Origin as the stars. Held in Verín, it offers a family-friendly environment, with activities for children and live performances. A perfect plan to enjoy with friends or family.

Feira do Viño do Condado do Tea
August 22 to 24

Since 1959, this festival gathers over 50,000 people in Salvaterra de Miño. In its LXVI edition, the booths are set up within the walled enclosure of the Doña Urraca Caves, creating a magical atmosphere. The white and red wines of Condado do Tea (D.O. Rías Baixas) are paired with the best local gastronomy.

With so many festivals and great wine, boredom will be impossible this summer in Galicia. Save the dates in your agenda because… we hope to see you at all of them!

Each route offers a special programme that includes, in addition to visits to the wineries, activities such as boat trips, monumental routes, visits to wine museums and discounts on accommodation. Attendees will be able to enjoy menus specially designed for the occasion in local restaurants, paired with wines from the corresponding appellation.

One of the highlights of the event is the ‘Wine Bus’, a transport service that facilitates access to the participating wineries, allowing visitors to enjoy the tastings without any worries. This initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, bringing participants closer to the Galician wine culture in a comfortable and safe way.

The Open Days not only offer an opportunity to taste Galician wines, but also to explore the natural and cultural heritage of each region. From the terraced vineyards of Ribeira Sacra to the coastal landscapes of Rías Baixas, each route offers a unique experience combining oenology, gastronomy and tourism. 

This initiative, consolidated as one of the most attractive wine tourism proposals in Galicia, seeks to deseasonalise tourism and promote knowledge of local products. It is an invitation to experience Galicia through its wines, its landscapes and its people, in an experience that delights all the senses.

For more information on the dates and activities of each route, you can consult the complete programme on the official website of Turismo de Galicia.

We have important dates in all four provinces, so… Let the nativity marathon begin! Let’s see where we can find them:

Let’s start in A Coruña. If we go to the capital at Christmas and we want to know who is who in the world of A Coruña, we only have to visit the Municipal Nativity Scene (5 Dec-6 Jan.), as the ensemble grows year after year with figures representing characters from the city. Each edition is dedicated to someone. The 2023 edition is dedicated to Luisa Villalta.

Another must-see in A Coruña is the Belén de la Grande Obra de Atocha (25 Dec.-6 Jan.), the work of Camilo Díaz Baliño. It has the singularity of being made to scale of the map of Jerusalem, very scientifically.

Half an hour away, the mobile Bethlehem of Betanzos (10 Dec.-14 Jan.), on the first floor of the Liceo, not only moves, but also tells us about the scene it represents, making the visit very didactic.

Another classic on the move is the Nativity Scene of the Third Order of Ferrol (26 Nov.-6 Jan.), made by Alfredo Martín more than 60 years ago and with more than 200 figures.

In Ares there is a more recent nativity scene, from the 90s. It is the Nativity Scene of the O Tilo Cultural Society (2 Dec.-7 Jan.), which has more than 300 figures, 35 of which are mobile.

If we are looking for a 100% Neapolitan nativity scene, we have to visit the church of San Agustín, in Santiago, where the Nativity Scene of the cathedral of Santiago (7 Dec.-8 Jan.), with more than 500 handmade figures and several of them automatics, is on display.

A few metres from there, we find the traditional Nativity Scene in San Fiz de Solovio (1 Dec.-5 Jan.), with more than 200 pieces of clay and painted canvas, movable pieces and lighting.

In Conxo, since 1945, the Otero Moreira family has been welcoming visitors to their Family Nativity Scene in Conxo (1 Dec.-7 Jan.), with more than 1,000 figures.

The nativity scene can also be set up in the cloister, as is the case in the Nativity scene of the collegiate church of Sar (10 Dec.-7 Jan.), which has 300 handcrafted figures, 100 of them in action, and light and water effects, with windmills, waterfalls, rivers… Although the most impressive thing is the night storm, with a good dose of thunder and lightning.

On the Costa da Morte there are two very curious nativity scenes: Nativity Scenes of the World (1 Dec.-14 Jan.), in the Museum of Bergantiños, in Carballo, and the Ortigueira Nativity Scene (3 Dec.-10 Jan.), in the church of Santa Marta, which is like a large theatre with a diorama representation of a very original nativity scene, with canvases by Camilo Díaz Baliño from 1924 and Egyptian and oriental elements.

In the province of Lugo there are also important nativity scenes. Precisely, there is one in Terra Chá that is of tourist interest: The Electronic Nativity Scene of Begonte (3 Dec.-27 Jan.), more than 50 years old, full of handmade figures and electronic mechanisms, with scenes of Galician popular life. Many activities are organised around the crib, such as poetry and painting competitions… There is even a Museum of the crib, in the room adjacent to the exhibition room.

In Lugo city, the Lugo Nativity Scene Competition is very popular (20 Dec.-6 Jan.), in the Afundación headquarters in Santa María square. The classic social nativity scene and the winning nativity scenes in this year’s competition are exhibited here.

Visiting the historic centre of Viveiro at this time of year is like travelling back in time, as the centre is transformed to house an incredible life-size nativity scene, known as Viveiro ante o berce (6 Dec.-14 Jan.),

The Mondoñedo Nativity Scene (1 Dec.-6 Jan.), has an ideal setting, under the welcoming arch of the Fonte Vella. The figures are made of wood and are illuminated. In the same place there are three mailboxes for letters to the kings.

The province of Ourense also has a lot of art for setting up nativity scenes. One of the best known in the capital is the Nativity Scene of Arturo Baltar (Dec. 15-Jan. 6), who made all the figures in terracotta. It is the most Ourense’s nativity scene of all, with the representation of classic places of the city and popular characters of all life.

On the other hand, in the bishopric hall there is the Exhibition Nativity Scenes of the World (11 Dec.-7 Jan.), with more than 150 nativity scenes from the places where there are missions, which provide the cultural touch of each country.

In the Ribeira Sacra we have the Bethlehem of Parada de Sil (15 Nov.-31 Jan.), by José María Campo Herrero, which even has a reproduction of the monastery of Santa Cristina.

In Verín, famous for its carnival, lives Viruca González, who also takes on the task of setting up the nativity scene and, with the help of family and friends, exhibits the Nativity Scene of A Viruca (8 Dec.-6 Jan.), which is special for its representation of Verín’s buildings and typical regional work.

And, for a big crib, the Artisanal Nativity Scene in A Veiga (22 Dec.-7 Jan.), so big that it occupies all the streets. It is a very rustic, ecological and collective nativity scene, which brings together the neighbourhood and the town council for its construction and assembly. It has the representation of the fauna of the area, the nativity scene and the Apalpador.

The province of Pontevedra also hides traditional nativity scenes of great quality. For example, in the region of Caldas, we find a nativity scene of tourist interest: the The Valga Moving Artisanal Nativity Scene (3 Dec.-14 Jan.), organised by the Amigos do Belén (Friends of the Nativity Scene) association. It has thousands of pieces arranged in about 400 m². The original feature is the incorporation of scenes from the year’s current events, even from the tabloids, and tributes to deceased characters.

In Vigo there are two classics: the Monumental Nativity Scene of Vigo, in the Casa das Artes (25 Nov.-7 Jan.), run by the Nativity Scene group La Morana, and the one at the Afundación headquarters, which exhibits the LVIII Nativity Scene Competition (1 Dec.-7 Jan.).

If we are looking for movement, we can go to Gondomar and visit the Moving Artisanal Nativity Scene (6 Dec.-7 Jan.), in the Neural Centre, with 220 figures in movement and more than a thousand still figures.

In Mos, you should visit the Nativity Scene of the Pazo de Mos (1 Dec.-7 Jan.) and, in the same municipality, in the parish of Cela, the Nativity Scene of Herville (1 Dec.-7 Jan.), put up by the Cultural and Social Association of Herville. A nativity scene full of details and with a surprising setting that simulates day and night.

The Mulleres Rurais de Moraña Association Nativity Scene is set up in the Moraña Multipurpose Social and Cultural Centre (9 Dec.-14 Jan.), with many details of life in the area (recreation of trades, significant buildings…).

And we finish in the beautiful cathedral of Tui, with the Nativity Scenes of Tui (20 Dec.-8 Jan.), consisting of a nativity scene next to the altarpiece of the Expectation and the exhibition “Nativity Scenes of the World”, distributed throughout the naves of the temple.

On the 1st we started with the original Romaría de San Fins do Castro (Pilgrimage of San Fins do Castro), in Cesullas, Cabana de Bergantiños, famous for the “dry watercress”, the burning of the Holy of Gunpowder and the miraculous fountain, with water that makes warts disappear. On the 2nd the Festa do Albariño begins in Cambados (2-6), with its booths, tastings, the Wine Tunnel, ladies and gentlemen, prizes…

At the beginning of the month the festivals dedicated to peppers coincide: Festa do pemento de Herbón de Padrón (5), of which some are hot and others are not; the Festa do pemento da Arnoia (4-6), and the Festa do pemento de Oímbra (6), with larger and sweeter peppers.

Pepper first and tortilla second. We go to Silleda, to the Romaría da Tortilla de Laro (4-6), in Carballeira del Castro, with tasting, music, contest… and bus service, a nice detail. And more food at the Festa das Sopas de burro (5) in Muíños, with the carrilanas championship included, on a day in which the galo pica or chan (rooster pokes the ground) and the O Xurés calf are also tasted. The roosters of O Pino also have a festival: the Festa do Galo Piñeiro e Mostra cabalar (5-6), where the roosters go to a contest and are also eaten, and there are equestrian shows and a Celtic festival.

If we are more of fish, we cannot miss the Burela Tuna Fair (5-6), with exquisite tastings in the port. Without leaving Mariña Lucense, the International Migrant Folk Festival (5), in Barreiros, is filled with traditions from all over the world. In Ribadeo they also draw on tradition in the Xira de Santa Cruz or Bagpipe Day and Romaría a Santa Cruz (5-6), as well as in the Pardiñas Festival (4-6) in Guitiriz, which bears the subtitle of “music and art fair and festival”, and where groups from all over come together, craft shows, book fairs, exhibitions, poetry recitals… and, most singularly: the Traditional Music Instrument Craftsmen Show. On the other hand, in Seoane do Courel, the Filandón de Músicas do Courel (6) is celebrated, this year dedicated to the memory of Xesús Galán López, with performances by singers, toasties, bagpipers… and samples of O Courel products.

A wonderful way to round off the first week of August is to be a Viking at the Romaría viquinga de Catoira (1-6), with theatre, Viking food, landing in the Towers of Oeste … We also have an excuse to dress up as a period person in the Mondoñedo Medieval Market (11-13), with a great tournament, Celtic horse riding, archery, and other medieval things.

The Festas do Monte (7-15) in A Guarda last the entire second week of August, although the big day is Sunday, when the sailor bands go up the Santa Trega hill. This second week many delicacies are eaten, for example, the Festival of the dry lamprey of Arbo (11-13); at the Vilanova de Arousa Mussel and Cockle Festival (11-13), or at the O Carballiño Octopus Festival (13), this year dedicated to the Camino Miñoto. In the Festa da Carballeira de Zas (11-12) they also eat a lot of mussels, among music, tradition and folklore.

At this time, on the coast of Lugo, there are two important celebrations: the Fiesta de San Lorenzo, in Foz (8-10), with top-notch fireworks, and A Maruxaina (12) in San Cibrao, around the legend of A Maruxaina, mermaid? witch? fairy?, which is subjected to popular trial and always acquitted.

In mid-August, the undisputed king of the festivities is San Roque. He is honored at the Festa de San Roque de Betanzos (14-25), with pilgrimages and tours of the caneiros; at the Festa de San Roque de Sada (16), with sardines near the beach; in the Festa de San Roque de Vilagarcía de Arousa (16), in which after the procession comes the Fiesta del Agua or in O Hío Ancestral dances of San Roque (16) with the dance of gallants and ladies in front of the transept.

Another summer saint is the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors. Although the festivity is in July, Laxe pays homage to him in The shipwreck of Laxe (17), a staging of a shipwreck, which ends in gratitude to the Virgin and in a marine procession.

The empanada is very popular in all celebrations, and even has a special day in Silleda, at the Festa da empanada de Bandeira (19). The ham was not going to be less, and it has its tribute in the Festa do Xamón da Cañiza (15), in the Carballeira do Cacharado and, the clam, five days later, in Vilagarcía, in the Festa da ameixa de Carril (20). On the same day we can go to the Soutelo de Montes Bagpiper Festival (19), in Forcarei, with a lot of concerts and feasts in the Carballeira de Venezuela. The bagpipes also sound working in the fields: the Festival of the traditional mesh of Lalín (19), in the region of O Deza.

The sport also has a place in August, with the International Descent of the Miño, in Tui (19), a competition for federated canoeists, which has its fun version in the popular descent, on the same day. And from Miño to Ulla. Who doesn’t fancy some eels and a drink of brandy? Well, let’s run to the Festa da anguía e Mostra da caña do país in Valga (19-27), where we can taste many recipes, traditional spirits, queimadas… By the way, there is also this in Cervo, in the popular Queimada (19), with a traditional market, spells and the burning of the scarecrow. Better a little wine? In Ribadavia there is a good ribeiro, which is also taken in August at the Feira da Istoria (25-26), a full-fledged return to the Judeo-medieval past. We will even have to buy in maravedíes! In Salvaterra, wine is also important, so it has a celebration: the Festa do Viño do Condado de Tea (25-27), which takes place inside the fortress.

Agricultural tasks also have their homage in August, for example, in the Folión de carros de Chantada (26) or in the Festa da malla de Meira (27). Also in the province of Lugo, the Romaría do Naseiro in Viveiro (25-29) is held at the end, with a descent of the river in crazy boats.

And we end the month of revelry with the Romaría de San Ramón de Bealo, in Boiro (31), the patron saint of women in labor, one of the oldest festivals in Galicia, in the Os Outeiriños field, where we find petroglyphs in the shape of a snake, a symbol of fertility, indicating that the tradition dates back to ancient times.

We can also still see a bagpipe band from here and there in the classic of a lifetime: the Ortigueira festival, which, inaugurated on the 9th, has a very complete program until July 16, with exhibitions, workshops, Celtic parades and concerts, such as Le vend du Nord, Four men and a dog ou Rura, among others.

On Friday the 14th, the Wake up & Dream Festival kicks off in the Bens park in A Coruña, that is, a festival to wake up and dream, or daydream, and dance to an electronic sound with many amps. On Friday, the show is given by Carlos Cox, Andrea Oliva, Chelina Manuhutu, Fatima Hajii, Squire, Isma B, Seles and André V. and, on Saturday, Amelie Lens, Klangkuenstler, Ben Sims, Andrés Campo, Gonçalo b2b perform Raúl Pacheco, Joyhouser and Manu Sánchez. To not worry, there is a shuttle service for round trips to the city, since it is not possible to access it with your own vehicle.

And from the mountains to the sea, with the Mar Aberto Festival, with music and views. This cycle of concerts already has some performances in the month of July, but it still has some left. On the 15th and 16th, in Cabo Silleiro, in Baiona, there will be Lynn Milanés, Monoulious Dop and Rapariga dj and, on the 16th, Sés, Catuxa Salom and Russ dj. On July 21 the stage will be at the Punta da Barca lighthouse, in Muxía, with Freedonia, Fillas de Cassandra and Señora dj and, on the 29th, Mísia, Cora Veloso and Rapariga dj. Finally, on July 28, The Gift, Sheila Patricia and Señora dj and, on July 29, Blanca Paloma, Allova and Rapariga dj at the Corrubedo lighthouse, in Muxía. There is a free shuttle service, the same as the concerts, since you reserve the ticket but then you get your money back.

And from the sea to the river, or rather, to the river beach, in O Barco de Valdeorras. On July 13, 14 and 15, the SilFest Valdeorras is held here. This year we will be able to listen to Ángel Stanich, Joe Crepúsculo, Niña Polaca, Alberto & García, Fillas de Cassandra, Yoly Saa, Luis Fercán, Joana Serrat, The Gulps, Whiskey Caravan, Casino Montreal, Captain Voskov, Adrian Timms, Señora dj, dj Lizard and Hawkins. This festival is advertised as a family vocation, and has many children’s activities: workshops, games, movies… In addition, it has a camping area, next to the municipal swimming pools.

A lot of electronics, a lot of rock, a lot of pop, a lot of trap… And what about jazz? Well, it also has a place, of course. On July 13, 14 and 15, the Jazz ao Norte de Ferrol festival arrives at the castle of San Felipe. This year, it also occupies the Military Arsenal. It is the third edition, in which they will have figures like Awa Ly. In A Coruña, we have +QJazz, with performances at the Colón theater, in Azcárraga square and in the Garufa, Filloa and Mardi rooms. The program started on July 10, but we are still in time for the performances on the 14th (Red House Revival) and 15th (Garufa Blue Devils Big Band).

The Scorpions already played in the port of A Coruña on July 13, within the Coruña Sounds festival. On the 20th it is the turn of Rubén Blades and Roberto Delgado Big Band; on the 22nd, Marea y Bocanada and on the 31st, for the auction, Zaz.

Fancy something more relaxed? Maybe it’s a little late for the Peregrinos Musicais festival, in Santiago and Ames, dedicated to new performers and Rachmaninoff, between June 29 and July 14, with a total of 7 concerts. Between July 14 and 22, the Xacobeo Clarinet Festival is held, with 20 concerts and master classes, in Lalín.

And from woodwind to metal airs. In the Naves de Ojea esplanade, in Cangas, we have the Kanekas Metal Fest, on July 21 and 22, which is now in its twelfth edition. The Arson Project, Crypta, Noctem, Golgotha, Agónica and Raze on the first day and Sinister, Persefone, Vidres a la Sang, Mind Driller, Scent of Death and Cruzeiro on the second.

At this time, also in the Rías Baixas, the Atlantic Fest of Vilagarcía arrives, on July 21, 22 and 23, with performances by Sidonie, Sidecars, Cariño, Cupido and Leiva. And, also on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd, the most mysterious festival of all coincides: SinSal, on the Illa de San Simón, about which we cannot anticipate more because it is secret.

At the end of the month, July 28-29, the Morriña Fest occupies the battery dock of the port of A Coruña. On Friday they are Bizarrap, Jason Derulo, Two Door Cinema Club, Sidecars, Danny Ocean, Shinova, Lali, Samuraï, Dudi, Berto, Apart and Purple Rei and, on Saturday, Nicky Jam, Melendi, Rels B, Morad, Carlos Sadness, Emilia, Villano Antillano, Aleesha, Los Castizos, Eva B, Monoulious Dop and Javi Chapela.

Already in August, the SonRías Baixas, in Bueu, brings us on the 3rd, 4th and 5th to Boikot, Macaco, Arde Bogotá, Grande Amore, Lamatumbá and many more. A great fest that has been going on for 20 years. With free camping area, by the way.

And how about dancing perreo? Reggaeton Beach Festival, on August 5 and 6 in the Molle park. de Nigrán, comes loaded with concerts, activities, water attractions, shishas… Everything to make us feel on the reggaeton beach. They will be Ozuna, Jhayco, Young Miko, Polimá Westcoast, Lírico en la Casa, Jeipy, Anuel AA, Bryant Myers, Chimbala, Ptazeta, Saik, Omy de Oro and Aina da Silva. A week later, on the same stage, the IMC summer festival will take place, with Chanel, Leo Rizzi, Vico, Roi Méndez and Grove Amigos dj.

At the end of August, a solidarity festival, the Festival de la Luz, in Boimorto, organized by the great Luz Casal, on the 25th, 26th and 27th. It is very complete, with different spaces: children’s, market, gastronomy, Espazo Mans. .. And area of ​​shops and caravans. Bands such as Reincidentes, La Niña Polaca, Viva Suecia, Luar na Lubre, Herdeiros da Crus, Maren, Rayden among many more will perform.

Tourist Trains Ribeira Sacra

The now classic “Tourist Trains of Galicia” return to the Ribeira Sacra this 2022. There will be three main trains that will travel through various destinations between the months of June and October. 

These are day routes that include specialized guide service during the tour, rail routes, complementary transfers and other organized activities and visits. Trains depart from Ourense Train Station, although you can hire the transfer from the train stations of Santiago de Compostela and Vigo at no additional cost. 

The scheduled departures of the train routes are as follows:

• Ribeira Sacra Wine Route (river Sil): 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 3 September, 17 September and 1 October.
• Ribeira Sacra Wine Route (river Minho): 18 June, 30 July, 10 September and 8 October. 
• Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras Wine Route: 27 August and 24 September. 

2-4 june

Port America  (Portas, Pontevedra)

In 2022, the PortAmérica Festival returns once again to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Caldas de Reis from 2 to 4 June. This event will take place in the Auditorio da Azucreira, in the town of Portas.

The best national and international independent music of the moment is coming to Galicia, with the largest possible number of artists and chefs. At last you can enjoy good music, nature, three stages, Show Rocking, Talent Market and camping in the magical surroundings of the region of Caldas de Reis.

3-5 june

Ribeira Sacra Wine Route 

The Ribeira Sacra Wine Route will take place from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 June, where attendees can enjoy various wine tourism activities. 

The Symphony Tasting of aromas and flavours of the Ribeira Sacra will be on Friday from 20:00 hours at the Ribeira Wine Center, by the sommelier Mercedes González. On Saturday there will be children’s workshops related to the world of wine and the Ribeira Sacra from 11:00 hours, and from 17:00 hours, the activity “Entre vinos y pinchos” will take place. 

Between Saturday and Sunday, the ViñoBus service will be available at a cost of 10 euros per person for visits to the wineries on the route. On Saturday there will also be the following hiking routes: “Ruta entre Oliveiras do Camiño de Inverno” and “Coñecemos O Miño da Ribeira Sacra”. On Sunday 5th, there will be the “Ruta Entre Sendeiros do Sil” and the “Ruta do Románico de Chantada”.

5 june

Fiesta de la Romería de las Cruces (Ribadeo, Lugo)

The Feast of the Pilgrimage of the Crosses is held on Whit Monday at the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes, in Arante’s bridge in Ribadeo. According to traditions dating back to the 15th century, it is customary to bless the fields and sing rogations during this event. At the same time, it commemorates the battle and victory of the inhabitants of the seven parishes against Napoleon’s army around 1809.

Its name comes from the attendance of the inhabitants of seven parishes with the seven crosses: Arante, Ove, Cedofeita and Covelas from the council of Ribadeo, and those of Vidal, La Valboa and Sante, from the council of Trabada. 

Particularly noteworthy is the ritual of the banners and crosses, when the bearers position themselves in front of each other and begin to lower them several times. Afterwards, the banner is raised, a ritual that requires skill, strength and precision to carry it parallel to the ground without touching it.

Exhibition exaltation of the wine of the Ribeiro area (Ribadavia, Ourense)

The fair returns this year to show the potential of this product of fame and millenary tradition, element of identity par excellence of the region. This Ribeiro Wine Exhibition Fair offers the opportunity to discover and taste the variety of red and white wines from the wineries and wine growers of the area, produced in the lands of the rivers Miño, Avia and Arnoia.

The first few days of the fair are aimed at professionals in the sector, with technical seminars attended by hoteliers, importers, restaurateurs and the specialized press. At the weekend, the public takes part in a popular tasting competition and a craft market is organized in the Plaza de la Magdalena. 

The programme includes various activities to promote Ribeiro wines: sport, musical entertainment, open-air dances and an exhibition of agricultural machinery.

April 30 – may 01

Fiesta de la Trucha – Trout Festival (A Pontenova, Lugo) 

The Trout Festival of A Pontenova, in the Mariña Lucense, will take place in the town square. For 30 years, this festival has attracted fishermen from all over Galicia, Asturias and other communities to the festival’s setting: the river Eo, the source of life and work for the inhabitants of A Pontenova and one of the symbols of the town council, as it is the salmon-fishing river par excellence in the whole of Galicia.

Most of the participants take part in the trout sport fishing competition, which has been declared of national sporting interest by the National Fishing Federation. Prizes are awarded to the person who catches the most fish, to the person who catches the heaviest trout and to the youngest competitor. 

On the 1st of May, the fishing competition is held in the morning, and in the evening there is a free trout tasting in the Town Hall square. The festival includes sporting activities, parades, exhibitions, fishing demonstrations, horse training and a street party.

01 may

Filloa Festival of Muimenta (Cospeito, Lugo) 

The neighbour of Cospeito Marica Campo composed the “Oda á filloa” to praise one of the most famous examples of traditional Galician pastries: the crêpe known as crêpe in other places and called filloa or freixó in Galicia. 

The Filloa Festival was born with the aim of raising funds for the organization of the Mostra Exposición Muimenta. This annual livestock event includes the Galician Blonde Breed Exhibition, the Friesian Breed Competition, an exhibition of agricultural machinery and an auction of selected livestock. Since then, the inhabitants of Muimenta have managed to restore the filloa to its rightful place in the gastronomy of the area, as well as recovering the typical griddles for its preparation.

Since 1992, this gastronomic festival has been celebrated in the parish of Muimenta, coinciding with Workers’ Day. Filloeiras and filloeiros make thousands of filloas made of water, flour, salt and egg, to be enjoyed together with the churrasco and chorizos criollos, typical of this festival. At the fairground there will be artisans such as zoqueiros, blacksmiths and basket makers who sell their designs and give demonstrations of their old trades.

April 29 – may 08 

Choco Festival (Redondela, Pontevedra)

Since the 80s, Redondela celebrates this festival of exaltation of the choco that comes from the Ensenada de San Simón, ending up gathering more than 30,000 people and 5,000 kilos of consumption.

In the tent of the Alameda you can taste this cephalopod prepared in various ways by the restaurants of the town, from the most traditional recipes to the most avant-garde. 

The activity par excellence of this festival is the gastronomic contest in which anyone can participate. The prizes to be awarded are in different modalities: to the best creative recipe, chocos in its ink, chocos with rice and empanada de chocos. It also has other festive-cultural activities such as music bands, sports and children’s games, among others.

1 may

Ourense Mayos Festival (Ourense, Ourense)

Formerly, the festivities of the Mays were celebrated because of the arrival of spring, season of obtaining good catches. Currently, they are the last folkloric manifestation that celebrates in Galicia the end of winter. 

Highlights the exhibition of the Mays of Ourense in which figures are built based on natural elements, such as moss, wild flowers, eggs, sticks, and more. Then it is sung around them with the accompaniment of sticks, couplets, ironic songs and criticisms with current facts or characters.

There are several types of constructions: the figurative, the castizas -predominate those of conical or pyramidal shape elaborated with lattices of rods or reeds, covered with plants and decorated with brave oranges and eggs – or the artistic – more modern representations of monuments, granaries, boats and others.

In addition, every year a Contest of Mays and Coplas is convened in which all kinds of social and cultural groups participate.