Dolmen of Dombate

Cabana de Bergantiños

Expressions such as the cathedral or the Sistine Chapel of Galician megalithic art reflect the importance that this monument located in the Bergantiños region has within the archaeological heritage of this community. Since a decade ago it has been protected inside a building erected to preserve especially its valuable paintings. Its interpretation centre also has a life-size replica of the interior of the vault so that visitors can see what is hidden inside the enormous stones that inspired poets such as Eduardo Pondal. Excavations in the area have shown that the current dolmen was built on top of an older structure.

Dolmen of Axeitos

Ribeira

Another of the most famous dolmens in Galicia is located in the parish of Oleiros (Ribeira). Also known as Pedra do Mouro, the one in Axeitos is one of the best preserved megalithic monuments of this type in the whole of the Peninsula and is framed by a tumulus of about 30 metres in diameter. More than half a dozen slabs covered by another large stone form its vault, which is about 2 metres high. Located in a wooded area, it is a must for those who go to the Barbanza region.

Pedra da Arca

Malpica

The huge slab that covered this dolmen located in the municipality of Malpica was split in half using explosives several decades ago. The two fragments remain fallen on the vertical slabs that originally supported them, but this does not prevent us from imagining the majesty of this construction erected at the height of the megalithic culture.

Casiña dos Mouros and Casota do Foxo

Muíños

These two dolmens are located in the necropolis of As Maus de Salas, next to the waters of the Salas reservoir. In fact, the Casiña da Moura had to be moved from its original location to avoid being affected by the rising waters. Both in this case and in the neighbouring Casota do Foxo, its chambers are more than two metres high and are formed by seven orthostats (large stone blocks placed vertically) which hold another huge stone.

Pedra da Arca and Pedra Cuberta

Vimianzo

The size of its slabs and the diameter of the mámoa make the Pedra da Arca dolmen one of the largest in Galicia. The upper slab alone weighs around 12 tons. It also stands out for the remains of engravings and paintings that can be seen inside. It is located in a municipality, Vimianzo, which is especially rich in megalithic heritage and where it has designed a specific route to show its main points of interest, such as the Pedra Cuberta dolmen, which was already studied 90 years ago because of the paintings in its corridor.

Mámoas of Guidoiro Areoso

A Illa de Arousa

The small islet of Guidoiro Areoso stands out because, despite its small size and the fact that it is mostly made up of sand, it houses several archaeological remains. Specialists have identified at least five mámoas (tombs formed by a dolmen covered by a mound of dirt) and have carried out several excavations to try to find out the extent of these structures. It is believed that at the time of its construction the site formed part of a peninsula and was not as exposed to the action of the tides as it is today. The changes in the currents of the estuary in the last decade threaten its conservation.

Mámoa do Rei

Vilaboa

Situated in the heart of the natural park of Lake Castiñeiras, the Mámoa do Rei is the main monument of the megalithic complex of A Chan de Castiñeiras, one of the most important in Galicia and which is located in the lands of the Pontevedra municipalities of Vilaboa and Marín. A tumulus measuring 30 by 20 metres with a dolmen in its centre forms the Mámoa do Rei, which was restored at the beginning of this millennium. During the excavations carried out in the area, several anthropomorphic idols were found and inside the dolmen’s vault there are several figures engraved in the stone. 

Dolmen of Cabaleiros

Tordoia

As in many other cases, in past centuries a legendary origin was attributed to the spectacular dolmen located in the parish of Cabaleiros, in the municipality of Tordoia, A Coruña. The inhabitants of the place transmitted from generation to generation the history of a “moura” that had been seen weaving inside this structure formed by seven stones covered by a large slab of more than 12 square meters, hence it was popularly known as the House of the Moura. This dolmen was declared a historic-artistic monument in 1975.

Dolmen of Dombate

Cabana de Bergantiños 

The position of the stars played a key role in the orientation of the dolmens, although there are differences between the astronomical phenomenon chosen by their builders when it came to erecting these megaliths. In the case of the dolmen of Dombate, located in the municipality of Cabana de Bergantiños in A Coruña and known as the cathedral of Galician megalithic architecture, its relationship with the winter solstice is clear, since its roof was arranged in such a way that the first rays of sunlight from that day could penetrate to the interior of its chamber. 

Castro de Baroña

Porto do Son

This “castrexo” site, one of the best known and most visited in Galicia due to its state of conservation and its unique position on a rocky promontory next to the sea, was not built with its back turned to astronomical phenomena either. Some archaeoastronomy studies have identified alignments that relate it to the winter solstice. Thus, although any time of year is good to enjoy a fantastic sunset there, it is during that day of transit between seasons when you can appreciate how the corridor that leads to a natural viewpoint over the sea is aligned with the sunset. This has led to the conclusion that the place could have been the scene of some rite on the part of its ancient inhabitants.

Pena de Rodas

Outeiro de Rei

These two large granite formations located at an altitude of over 600 metres in the municipality of Outeiro de Rei in Lugo are famous for having inspired several legends, but also for their peculiar position. Some researchers maintain that it was a place of worship in ancient times because it was oriented towards the sunset during the summer solstice, but it also offers a spectacular view during the winter solstice, in this case at sunrise.

Mount of San Trocado

Punxín, Cenlle and San Amaro

In the vicinity of the spectacular castro of San Cibrao de Las, there is a mountain whose summit was once occupied by another “castrexa” construction. As in other similar places, in later centuries it was Christianised with the construction of a chapel that today still hosts a popular pilgrimage. But the worship of its ancient inhabitants to the sun is still present too. Experts point out that during the winter solstice the sun is aligned with this enclosure and with a rocky shelter that holds a petroglyph. 

Archaeological Park of Rock Art

Campo Lameiro 

The importance that astronomical phenomena had for those who inhabited Campo Lameiro 4,000 years ago is shown by the petroglyphs that can be seen in its archaeological park dedicated to rock art. One of its best known figures is the deer in the petroglyph of Laxe dos Carballos, whose antlers have branches that have been interpreted by some scholars as astronomical beads. Furthermore, there are those who maintain that at the time it was carved, the figure was oriented towards the sunrise during the winter solstice.

Mount Esperon

Narón

“In St. Lucia, the longest night and the shortest day”. The replacement of the Julian calendar by the Gregorian calendar and the elimination of ten days in October 1582 to correct the accumulated deviation is the most accepted explanation as to why this popular saying no longer applies: the celebration of Saint Lucia (13th December) no longer coincides with the winter solstice, but the link between the two events is still in place in some places. This is the case in the parish of Sedes, in Narón, where they celebrate them jointly on the Saturday closest to the December 13th with a Noite de Luz (Night of Light) that starts in the chapel of Santa Lucía and ends at the top of Mount Esperón with a torches lighting.

Cape Fisterra

Fisterra

The history of Cape Fisterra has been closely linked to the sun since time immemorial, thus becoming a place of worship and pilgrimage. There, according to the legend, there was an altar dedicated to the sun (Ara Solis) and the Romans considered that it was the end of the earth (hence the original Latin name of the place, Finis Terrae). Today, its sunsets still captivate thousands of people, and the winter solstice is an excellent opportunity to see why the cape maintains its millenary magnetism intact.

Festa do Albariño. Cambados 

Considered the oldest wine celebration in Galicia and the second oldest in Spain, the Festa do Albariño has been considered a festival of international tourist interest since 2018. It is a popular event that has the wine as protagonist and that causes that the streets of Cambados are full of people tasting its famous wines and enjoying the party. Thousands of people gather every year in the town to participate in its festivals and concerts, although on this occasion most of the celebrations that should have taken place during the first weekend of August have been suspended.

Romaría da Tortilla. Laro (Silleda) 

Since 1989, the Association of Friends of Tortilla de Laro has been celebrating one of the most popular festivals in the Deza region, which has been declared of tourist interest in 2013. Thousands of people gather to taste the tortillas prepared by the restaurants and the members of the association of housewives. The opening speech, the tasting, the competitions and the performances of groups and orchestras are some of the ingredients of a celebration planned for the period from 31 July to 2 August, but which has been postponed until next year. 

Santa Marta de Ribarteme pilgrimage. As Neves

Declared of tourist interest only a few months ago, this unique celebration, also known as the Romaría dos Cadaleitos, will have to wait until 2021 to celebrate as it deserves its new consideration. The procession of coffins with living people inside trying to obtain the favour of the Virgin or to show her gratitude for a fulfilled petition is the most original element of a celebration whose religious section gives way later to a great picnic.

Festa do Pemento. A Arnoia

This year, in spite of the situation, A Arnoia has decided to continue with its traditional Festa do Pemento, but adapting it to avoid risks and crowds. The festival was born in 1980 and is dedicated to the product par excellence of the garden of this municipality of Ourense and will be held from July 31 to August 2. Normally, it coincides with the patron saint’s celebrations and brings together a large number of people, who can enjoy cultural and sporting events, as well as religious, official and protocolary acts. This year you can only taste the peppers in the bars of the municipality and for this you will have to buy some tickets through the link: https://pementosdearnoia.com/.

Pardiñas Festival. Guitiriz 

Officially called Feira e Festa da Música e da Arte, the Pardiñas Festival has been organised since 1980 by the cultural association Os Xermolos with the aim of preserving and disseminating Galician culture. This year the association decided to present a renewed format adapting to the new security measures. Initiatives will be carried out during the weekends of August in different places of the town. The events will begin on August 1st in Campo da Feira de Parga with the 27th Mostra de Instrumentos de Música Tradicional organized by the Asociación do Baile e a Música de Tradición Galega. They will conclude on August 30th with musical activities in the parishes of O Vilar and Santa Locaia. The programme includes small concerts, film projections, book presentations and different workshops. 

Festa da Carballeira. Zas 

The first weekend of August is synonymous with traditional music in Zas. Since 1984, the association Castro Meda organizes this folk festival through which the main groups and artists of the Galician and international scene have passed along the years. The music is the great protagonist of this event, but the program of activities has grown over the years, complemented by other cultural proposals. In addition, the venue itself, the oak grove that gives it its name, is another attraction of the festival and helps to create the special atmosphere that is breathed there. This year, music will not be played at Zas, but its organizers promise to return with renewed energy in 2021.

Día da Gaita and Romería a Santa Cruz. Ribadeo

Also known as A Xira, the Día da Gaita and Romería a Santa Cruz, is a traditional celebration that takes place every first Sunday of August on the hill of Santa Cruz. Gastronomy and popular music are two of the main ingredients of a festival that has been celebrated in its current format since the 1960s, but whose origins go back even further in time. Its multitudinous character is, precisely, what has encouraged its organizers, the heads of the Asociación Amigos da Gaita Galega, to suspend this year’s edition to avoid crowds.

Mostra da Olería. Buño (Malpica)

Traditional craftsmanship is the main sign of identity of the village of Buño, in the municipality of Malpica, A Coruña. Every year, at the beginning of August, its craftsmen celebrate a Mostra da Olería that attracts visitors and tourists from all over Galicia. The stalls coexist in the program with workshops of mud and other informative activities destined to put in value this millennial craft. This year’s edition had to be cancelled, but the obradoiros and the shops of the town, as well as the Ecomuseo Forno do Forte, are still open to receive all those who want to know the singular olería of Buño.

Romaría Vikinga. Catoira 

Every first Sunday in August the inhabitants of Catoira and thousands of people gather in this town on the banks of the Ulla River to enjoy one of the most popular celebrations in the Galician summer calendar. Since the 1960s, they have been recreating the capture of the Torres del Oeste (Western Towers) with the help of a replica of a Viking boat. The invaders quench their warrior thirst with wine and a convivial meal takes over from this playful battle through mud. The enormous convening power of the festival is what has forced the suspension of the central events of the celebration this year, although some activities have been organized for smaller audiences.

San Fins do Castro. Cabana de Bergantiños

The pilgrimage of San Fins do Castro is celebrated every August 1st gathering the faithful and the curious in the carballeira located next to the chapel of the same name. The Berro Seco (an original choreography of shouts directed by the local parish priest), the hymn of San Fins and the burning of the Santo da Pólvora are the most original and emblematic elements of this celebration in which other rites typical of religious pilgrimages are also present, such as the one related to the miraculous power of the waters of the nearby fountain. As with other similar pilgrimages, we will have to wait until next year to take part in it.

Festival Folclórico Internacional do Emigrante. Reinante (Barreiros)

Another of the traditional celebrations that has fallen off the festive calendar this year is the one that has been held in the parish of San Miguel de Reinante (municipality of Barreiros) since 1980 to pay tribute to the emigrants with music. The association O Arco da Vella is responsible for the fact that the Festival Folclórico Internacional do Emigrante has been able to bring together a multitude of groups from all over the world over these 40 years.

Feira do Bonito. Burela 

A festival of national tourist interest, since 1983, the Feira do Bonito has been held in Burela on the first Saturday in August. The main objective of the festival is to claim the seafaring history of the village as well as its culture and gastronomy. Each of its editions offers entertainment and musical performances with relevant Galician artists, but the star of the day is the delicious tuna prepared in different preparations and even gluten-free for celiacs. This year there will be no official events.

Festa do Pemento. Herbón (Padrón)

Like some of the previous ones, this celebration takes place on the first Saturday of August. On that day, the parish of Herbón, in Padrón, boasts of the peppers to which it has given international fame with a celebration that was already declared of tourist interest in 1978. The Order of the Pepper of Herbón awards the titles of Knights and Ladies to producers and personalities who spread and promote the pepper. The organizers of the festival have decided to suspend the events of this year, but they call on the public to meet again in 2021.

Festa do Pemento. Oímbra

Also in the municipality of Oímbra, in Ourense, they pay homage to the peppers with a monographic celebration. The one dedicated to its white pepper goes back to 1997 and consists of a popular meal that takes place in the carballeira of the town the first Sunday of the month of August and that is seasoned with contests, exhibitors of sale, performances and inflatables. The city council has cancelled the acts of this year, but it will make promotional campaigns to stimulate the sale of this popular product.

Festa do Galo Piñeiro. O Pino

Since 1999, the municipality of O Pino in A Coruña has celebrated the Festa do Galo Piñeiro and a Mostra Cabalar to exalt Galician gastronomy and culture, as well as recovering a species of rooster with roots that go back to Celtic times. The programme includes a fair where live animals are sold and competitions where the best specimens are awarded. The Mostra Cabalar brings together the best horses and mares of Galician and foreign breeds and allows the public to enjoy equestrian shows and dressage exhibitions. Since 2009 a Celtic Fair is also held, but this year all the activities have had to be suspended so we will have to wait until 2021 to enjoy these popular celebrations of O Pino again.