Summer in Galicia is synonymous with beaches, nature, heritage… and also gastronomy. During July and August, some of the most anticipated food events of the year take place, where local produce, tradition, and a festive atmosphere are the main highlights.
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 RĂas 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 MexillĂłn 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 RĂas 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 AnguĂa e Mostra da Caña do PaĂs 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 RĂas 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.
