Romaría da Barca

September 15th. Muxia

Tradition dictates that the Romaría da Barca is celebrated on the second Sunday of September, unless it will be on 8thdat. In that case the central day of the celebrations is delayed until Sunday 15th. This will happen this year, although as usual in the previous days many pilgrims will walk to Muxía as a sign of devotion to the Virxe. The religious section of this festival declared of national tourist interest will also be accompanied by ancestral rites related to the stones situated close to the sanctuary and to which miraculous properties are attributed, and by a wide musical offer.

More information here

Festa de Xesús O Nazareno

September 14th to 17th. A Pobra do Caramiñal

Also known as the Festa das Mortallas this celebration of tourist interest is the most popular in the municipality of A Pobra and has crossed borders through by the procession that is celebrated during its central day. Every third Sunday of September, thousands of people come to the town to accompany the saint in procession and contemplate the empty coffins that are taken in the procession as an offering by some people who were entrusted to the Nazarene to save their lives. It is a tradition that started in the fifteenth century.

More information here

WOS Festival

September 11th to 15th. Santiago de Compostela

Different locations in the Galician capital (two museums, two theaters, a church, the City of Culture and the SGAE Foundation, among other spaces) open their doors again to the WOS Festival x SON Estrella Galicia. The event, born 6 years ago, will combine music with other disciplines such as cinema, and will also open spaces for debate.

More information here

Espazos Sonoros

September 14th. Tui

The Espazos Sonoros cycle visits the town of Tui on Saturday with a double proposal. In the morning, there will be a route on both banks of the Miño River to learn about the organist tradition of the border between Galicia and Portugal: Viana do Castelo, the monastery of San Martiño de Tibaes and Tui. In the afternoon, in the cathedral of Tui will act the austrian organist Michael Schöch.

More information here

Festa da Guadalupe

Since Friday 13th. Rianxo

The festive atmosphere will take the town of Rianxo for ten days to honor its patron, the Virxe da Guadalupe. This weekend they will be celebrate some of the highlights of the program, such as the Rock in Rian festival: Saturday 14th, with the participation of Reincidentes, Dios ke te Crew, Festicultores, Ebri Knight, Mekánika Rolling Band and La Duendeneta. On Sunday 15th it will be the turn of the maritime procession.

More information here

Festival Cantos na Maré

September 13th to 15th. Pontevedra

For more than a decade, the Festival Cantos na Maré has been building musical bridges between the Lusophone world from the city of Lérez. The Cape Verdean artist Mayra Andrade, the pianist Clara Peya, the Portuguese singer Maria Joao and the group Enredadas, formed by Uxía, Carmen París, Martirio and Ugia Pedreira, are the first confirmations of the poster of this edition.

More information here

XiriaPop

September 13th and 14th. Carballo

What started two decades ago as a celebration party for the local handball team has become, over time, an almost cult musical event that runs away from the conventional proposal. This year Billy Bremner’s Rockfiles, The Surfin Burritos, La Granja, Basanta, Gūtara KYŌ, La Secta and Superser will be on stage.

More information here

FeneRock

September 13th to 15th. Fene

King Sapo, Ruxe Ruxe and Sôber are some of the groups that will put the music to the new edition of the Festival Fene Rock. The concerts will be on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th at night, and Sunday 15 at noon.

More information here

Festa da Dorna

July 18th to 24th. Ribeira.

This carefree and participative celebration was born in the middle of the last century through a charitable initiative. From Thursday 18th and for a whole week there will be fun events like the “Rejata de Embarcasións Feitas a Machada e Propulsión a Pan de Millo”, the “Jran Premio Ícaro de Voo sen Motor”, the “Xojos e Deportes Populares de Terra” or the “Jran Prix de Carrilanas”. There will also be activities related to gastronomy and music.

You can check more information here.

Sunsets no Gaiás

July 18th to 20th. Santiago de Compostela

Sunsets are impressive in Galicia, but at the Cidade da Cultura they will also be accompanied by music due to the cycle of outdoor concerts that will take place throughout the summer. This week you will enjoy the performances of Miss Bolivia (Argentina), Ladilla Rusa (Catalonia) and Betacam (Cantabria). Check more information here.

Bonnie Tyler in Galicia

July 18th. Vilagarcía de Arousa

She is known for her ripped voice and for a handful of songs that are already rock classics, such as It’s a heartache and Total eclipse of the heart. The Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler continues to triumph and on Thursday she arrives in Galicia to review her successful career and present the songs from her latest album, Between the earth and the stars. The concert will take place in the Plaza de la II República at 10 pm.

Ticket sales here. 

Hake Celebration in Celeiro

July 20th. Celeiro (Burela)

Hake is the star dish of this celebration that has been held for 22 years. The old market of the port of Celeiro will open its doors this Saturday so that residents and visitors of the Mariña Lucense can taste the delicious menu prepared for the occasion.

Gran Prix of Carrilanas in Esteiro

19th to 21st of July. Esteiro (Muros).

Artisanal cars without motor will roll through the streets of Esteiro this weekend, gathering a faithful and numerous audience. The competition now has 31 editions and will reward the participants with different prizes (for its speed, its design …) and will also offer concerts from Friday to Sunday: Novedades Carminha, Dakidarría, Itaca Band, De Vacas, Nao and Terbutalina , among others.

All the information here. 

Aturuxo Festival 

July 19th and 20th. Ourol

Seven years ago, the Cultural, Recreational and Sports Association Aturuxeiros de Bravos organized for the first time the Aturuxo Festival. On Friday there will be a party and on Saturday there will be popular food, games and also music. The artists Collón de Lola, Som do Galpom, Rosa Cedrón and Zënzar will be playing.

Fireworks of Bouzas

July 21st. Barrio de Bouzas (Vigo)

After several days of celebration, the Festa do Santísimo Cristo dos Aflixidos de Bouzas, will come to an end on Sunday with the most anticipated and spectacular appointment of its program: a great pyrotechnic show that year after year gathers thousands of people filling with light and color the skies of the Ría de Vigo.

17º Ribeira Sacra Festival

July 18th to 21st. Municipios de la Ribeira Sacra (Lugo).

Scenarios as diverse as squares, viewpoints, wineries or even a catamaran make this festival an original and suggestive proposal. The Ribeira Sacra becomes a meeting point for lovers of music, landscape and heritage with an attractive poster featuring artists and groups such as Soledad Velez, Cora Velasco, Kevin Johansen, Jonathan Wilson, Os Amigos dos Músicos and Los Enemigos.

More information here. 

Vive Nigrán Festival 

July 19th & 20th. Nigrán

Picnic Pop Festival is the revealing surname of a festival that this summer celebrates its third edition and brings together music, gastronomy, market and sports and cultural activities near Playa América. Novedades Carminha, Ángel Stanich, Las Chillers, Hidrogenesse, Meneo and Delafé are some of the musical proposals of this year.

More information here.

This pilgrimage is as old as the foundation of its first chapel, in the 11th and 12th centuries, and is declared a National Tourist Interest. It is celebrated during the second weekend of September, being Sunday the culminating moment of the celebration with a procession that crosses several streets of Muxía on the road to the Church of Santa Maria, where the Virgin is received until the following day.

Thousands of people flood the streets of the village during those days to honor their patron. People come pilgrims from distant places to enjoy this party where they perfectly combine devotion and fun. The road that leads to the sanctuary, bordered by the typical candle and thread posts, is a hive of people going to mass. At the end of this, the Virgin leaves in procession until the port, where she realizes the blessing of the waters. On that day, in addition to tasting the fish stews typical of the area, also visit its famous stones. And is that the cultural history of Muxia is linked to both the Sanctuary of A Barca and the stones of its surroundings.

But did you know why?

Legend says that when Santiago preached the gospel in these lands, in a moment of desolation due to the little success achieved in his preaching, he received the visit of the Virgin on a stone boat in which angels rowed, which gave him encouragement to that the apostle continued his evangelizing work. As proof of its appearance, the boat of the Virgin was shaped in the rocks. Years later, the image of the Virgin was discovered under the helm of the boat and proceeded to its transfer to the parochial church but, inexplicably, it reappeared in its original place. Before this miraculous fact, the inhabitants of Muxía decided to build a sanctuary to honor the Virgin, and it is in the surroundings of this sanctuary located next to the sea where they are the rocks used in a pagan cult rite that soon was Christianized. They are “Pedra de Abalar”, “Pedra dos Cadrís”, “Pedra dos Namorados” and “Pedra do Temón”.

This cult of stones, very common in Galicia, probably owes its origin to the pre-Roman times and, apparently, its Christianization is due to the monks of Muxía. “A Pedra dos Cadrís” is an indispensable visit for all those who suffer rheumatic problems, for which they have to pass underneath it nine times. “A Pedra de Abalar” produces a mysterious sound to which the popular tradition attributes a multitude of powers. According to count, the sound only takes place in case to be innocent and to be free of sin. There are also those who say that the stone emits its sound alone as a warning of a shipwreck or some other misfortune. “A Pedra do Temón” owes its name to it, always according to legend, is the hull of the boat in which the Virgin appeared. Finally, “A Pedra dos Namorados”, the only stone of A Barca whose tradition is not related to the Marian legend. It has a form of seat with a large backrest in which couples promise love and fidelity.

All of this makes the Romaría de Nosa Señora da Barca, therefore, a really magical one.

Do you want to discover it?

We faced a unique and supportive experience in which Luz Casal invites us to her birthplace to enjoy an event that is practically unique in Galicia, exercising as an exceptional host. During the three days of the festival, music, gastronomy, live demonstrations, theater and culture come together in an unparalleled landscape where nature reigns, recycling, sustainability and innovation.

The festival, which this year reaches its sixth edition, will be held from 8 to 10 September, and will maintain the commitment of the organizers to further multiply their impact, their influence and their proposals. For this they will have a luxury line-up and whose collection will be donated to a cancer research and study association, Oncomet. That is why, as in previous editions, more than forty major national and international artists and new emerging bands will meet in Boimorto. Among the participants are well-known names such as Rosendo, Mago de Oz, Siniestro Total, Jarabe de Palo or León Benavente.

Another attraction of this festival is the market where every year companies and entities show to the public their best products and services. The main objective is that the public come in contact firsthand with the experiences that are offered. It is a space in which innovation, creativity and sustainability can accommodate all kinds of proposals.

There is also a children’s area of ​​over 5,000 square meters for the small festival, with continuous programming of workshops, inflatables, storytelling, magic and theater. It is, with this, that all the public have their space in the Festival da Luz, making of it a familiar event. In addition, there will be a free bus service that will connect the area with the center of Boimorto, so that those who decide to camp during the three days of festival will access more easily to supermarkets, ATMs, pharmacies and other services.

As a novelty, this year the festival presents a tent dedicated to the cinema where movies and documentaries related to music will be screened throughout the weekend.

And all this for a symbolic price of 10 euros per day or 15 for the three full days, with a purely solidarity, as we have already mentioned (only last year managed to raise 101,000 euros for the NGO Oxfam Intermon).

This has begun a path in which the culture, social commitment of the Galician business community and the public share a unique and extraordinary common space. And in addition, every year, Luz Casal continues to realize her dream: to give back to his native Boimorto the gift of a whole childhood there.

We want more years of Festival da Luz!

As the organizers say, it is a trip to the fifteenth century in which the whole city participates, and a unique experience that brings us closer to the time of the privilege granted to King Henry IV in 1467 by virtue of which authorized the holding of a free market of taxes of one month, the last fifteen days of August and the first fifteenth of September. The concession of the Feira Franca coincides with a period of economic boom in the city, which lasted until the end of the 16th century. Fishing and commerce were then the two pillars of the economic development of the city, at that time the most populated of Galicia.

The Fair, which currently takes place in the monumental area of ​​the city on the last weekend of September of each year, was rescued in 2000 with the organization of various leisure activities with historical roots ranging from the representation of wine transport or the unmissable medieval tournament, to the spectacles of falconry, archery, fencing or the exhibitions of music and dance that enchant the days from Friday on, especially on Saturday. Pure magic that, along with the dances, the lunches between friends and the desire to have a good time, fills the city with people who know that, on that day, joy is going to reign. In addition, each edition dedicates the celebration to a specific theme, so in recent years have made a trip to the world of Os Irmandiños, have honored agriculture and trade and have returned to sing “cancións de amor, escarnio e maldicir”. In 2016, the homage was for the music.

Such was the reception of this party among the people of Pontevedra over the years, that it became necessary to extend the limits of the space of the party in a gradual way, to cover at present the totality of the monumental zone and even other areas boundaries. Praza da Ferraria maintains its status as a nerve center and consolidates year after year as the place chosen for traditional trades representations. Praza de Santa María would eventually welcome most of the artisans and it is in the Alameda and Praza de Curros Enríquez where food stalls are distributed.

What makes this fair special, declared Festival of Tourist Interest of Galicia in the year 2013, are the thousands of people who dress with medieval clothes to eat in the squares and streets, also dressing tables for the occasion whose decoration follows the aesthetic standards of the second half of the fifteenth century. In addition, musicians from all over the place fill the atmosphere with music, making it just a mere walk in the streets of the city of Lérez. It is an authentic festival of flavors and colors!

Eternal dances, shared smiles and emotions of all kinds are the final ingredient of this event that everyone should attend at least once in their lives.

So you know … If you want to put an end to the summer in the highest, remember: 1 and 2 September in Pontevedra.

One of its singularities of this celebration is that women come to it to ask San Ramón for a son. It is a pilgrimage that, although dating from the eighteenth century, is linked to pagan rites that are lost in time around engravings in the form of a serpent, symbol of fertility since time immemorial, which can be seen in two stones a few meters of the hermitage of San Ramón. In addition, it is not only one of the oldest festivals in Galicia, but also the oldest country pilgrimage celebrated uninterruptedly.

According to what people say, the first party was promoted by the priest of the area on August 22, 1756. That year, a mass was celebrated and other suffrages were made in devotion to the saint and the souls of purgatory. Then, a “novena” (a serie of nine masses) was made to San Ramon so that the last of the masses coincided with the last day of August, and on that last day the feast was celebrated for the first time, bringing every year a lot of faithful people to Bealo in order to honor his saint. People also say that the famous writer Castelao found inspiration in this feast to draw one of his famous “Prints of the Blind”.

To this party many people go to the “Campo dos Outeiriños” to camp all the night of 30th and they stay there until the end of the 31th, after enjoying a day of lunch, session of wines and orchestras. During the morning of the 31st, the masses in the hermitage are repeated every half an hour, and women come in search of a happy birth or a pregnancy, and it is in the last one in which more women gather, which They carry the saint in procession. As an old ballad said, “As mulleres cando paren / lémbranse de San Ramón” (when women give birth, they remember San Ramón).

Orchestras, a wine session and popular food complete a pilgrimage that lasts until dusk in a wonderful natural area surrounded by interesting archaeological and ethnographic remains.

It is well known that Galicia is a land of magic, “meigas”, legends and beliefs, and it is precisely pilgrimages like this that make everyone who comes from far and wants to know our land to immerse ourselves a little more in our culture and our identity, so from here we recommend the Romería de San Ramón de Bealo. You just have to go … and let yourself go.

The Romería do Naseiro is a festival that is celebrated at the end of August in the valley of Naseiro, in the town of Viveiro. It is, since 1967, Festival of National Tourist Interest, and this year is held between 25th and 29th August, adding five days of concerts, meals and desire to enjoy.

This festival is attended by thousands of people from all over Spain who stay in the improvised huts built for the occasion, creating a village that also has its own flea market and many stalls for food and drink. All this, seasoned with music of orchestras and great variety of attractions.

Normally, the party starts on Friday afternoon, “octopus day”, in which a large dinner is organized for the son of “charangas” and pipers (only last year he repaired more than 3,000 kilograms of octopus). The following days are for the seafood, the broth, the empanada and the typical sardine (each day for one thing). On the last day, in the afternoon, the Humorous Descent of the Landro is realized, in which the organizers of the event and everyone that wants to join descend by the river until the field of the party, dressed in more singular costumes.

The origin of the Romería do Naseiro dates back to 1933, when Antonio Noriega Varela and José Barros promoted this initiative for the first time to exalt not a particular food, but the food in general. What began more than 80 years ago as a meeting of people from the village to eat and enjoy the place, today is one of the best known fiestas in Spain and lasts five days. Among the trees of Naseiro, today and as, are built large tables and booths of all kinds in what is important to enjoy good food and people.

In addition, this year, as a novelty, there will be orchestras both in the session and in the night party during all the days that the celebrations last, with which the fun and entertainment are assured.

In short, if there is a party that you can not miss, this is it. We do not know if it is the best, but it is the most curious we know. Of course to know why … you’ll have to go!

The origin of this festival, which meets every year around 75,000 people, dates back almost thirty years, although it is already mentioned in documents dating from the 18th century, it is from 1989 when it recovers. It recalls the history of the town and its surroundings, bringing to the present the traditions and experiences of past times in a medieval recreation where different cultures, religions, trades and social classes of the time are represented. The aim is to recall the presence of the Jewish community in the town, until they were expelled in 1494 and subsequently persecuted by the Inquisition Tribunal.

The celebration takes place in an incomparable environment and is designed for all ages, which makes it considered by the public as one of the best parties in Galicia and Spain. In fact, in 1997 it is declared Fiesta of National Tourist Interest. In addition, in its edition last year, the Festa da Istoria was twinned with the Templar Night of Ponferrada.

In the Festa da Istoria all the residents of Ribadavia participate and it has an extensive program that includes medieval dinners, dances, parades, falconry, theater, archery, living chess, fighting between knights and even a Jewish wedding by the Sephardic rite, In which the bride and groom sign the betrothal contract coinciding with the entry in the last month of the Hebrew moon’s calendar.

Such is the detail of this party that have come to coin their own currency, the maravedis, for the various commercial transactions. The exchange of euros for this other currency can be done in the Alhóndiga bank and its branches installed throughout the town. In addition, it is imperative to make any purchase in street stalls, as is also to wear medieval clothes when accessing some of the scheduled events held indoors. If you have not brought yours, do not worry, many street shops rent and sell robes and other clothes for the occasion.

This year, the festival will take place on 25th and 26th August, being the 26th that concentrates most of the important events. It is that Saturday when the Gran Desfile Istoria takes place (from San Francisco to the Castle of the Sarmiento), the annual medal delivery to the Nobles da Istoria and the Jewish wedding. Later a medieval meal will be made in the Iglesia de la Magdalena with a 38 maravedis (38 euros) menu. It consists of empanada, octopus, roast lamb and a great variety of desserts and drinks. This edition of the party also has a novelty, and is that for the occasion has formed a band of bagpipes, the “Banda de Gaitas da Istoria”, which will accompany the entourage during their parade through the town and will give, along with other bands, the musical point to a day full of surprises. In addition, from the organization itself make available to anyone who wants to approach buses from Vigo, Redondela and Ourense, so you have no excuse …

Ribadavia is waiting for you!

Its first edition, back in 2003, came from the hand of a group of local boys who wanted to do a different cultural activity. His proposal was successful thanks to the support of a large part of the neighbors of the town. The Association Repichoca was formed to give continuity and is responsible for this initiative that is repeated year after year.

This festival, which over the last few years has consolidated itself as one of the most important events in the Galician music scene in the summer months, will have two main zones: a closed area for concerts and a park for the free and public activities that are offered. In addition, there will be a popular “sardiñada”. In fact, and as a curiosity, the etymological origin of Revenidas comes from the sardines. There are thousands of people who come every year to the village to enjoy good music, good food and their great Solidarity Circus Gala with the Saharawi People. Last year, nearly 15,000 attended the 29 musical performances and more than 20 activities, something they hope to surpass this year’s edition, which will feature bands like La Pegatina, Terbutalina or Dakidarría.

In addition, the price of the Revenidas is more than affordable: 35 euros for a three day ticket and 20 euros a day ticket. Are you still thinking about it? Well, we’ll give you more reasons to attend …

Throughout the festival there will also be a Showcooking and a Fair (Revenida Fair) in which Galician artisans will show their elaborations in different stalls accompanied by Food Trucks that will approach Vilaxoán for the occasion. Children’s games and parades complete the program.

And another important fact: Revenidas 2017 will offer to the assistants with full ticket several zones of free camping until the capacity is completed.

Now you are convinced, right?

This is an independent music festival that, year after year, surprises us with a solid line-up full of renowned national and international names. For their two scenarios, this year we will be able to see (and listen to) groups like Love of Lesbian, La Habitación Roja, The New Raemon & McEnroe or Los Planetas, although the true headliner is undoubtedly the place where is carried out. It is located at the foot of Monte Blanco, the beach of Balarés has the charm of the paradisiacal coves of white sand and is surrounded by a huge pine forest that shelters the campers every year.

This festival was born in 2004 thanks to a group of friends who gathered the night of San Juan on the beach with a small stereo that accompanied the bonfires. That first night grew in assistance and activities until it became an alternative for the young people of the zone. From its beginnings, the festival counted on artists who contributed making a mountain out of a molehill to make it grow and, year after year, has been consolidated like a meeting point for the lovers of the music and the nature. All of them enjoy in a spectacular setting.

It is also worth mentioning that the V de Valarés stands out for its enormous commitment to the environment. That is why, both festival producers and attendees, must abide by a number of environmental standards and develop activities with an awareness of respect for nature. Thus the festival provides recycling bins and is responsible for selective collection, uses renewable energy and has official recyclable glasses that are delivered to attendees, reducing by 75% the waste of drink. In addition, a team of more than 50 people collaborates voluntarily in the cleaning and maintenance of the festival area.

In short, for 50 euros (35 euros if it is a day ticket) you can enjoy a festival that is distributed as follows:

• Friday 18: Love of Lesbian, La Habitación Roja, Pablo und Destruktion, White Bats, Disciplina Atlántico, Bifannah and Captains.
• Saturday 19: Los Planetas, Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, Airbag, Los Punsetes, The New Raemon & McEnroe, DJ Coco, Terbutalina and Cala Vento. In addition, in Mahou Space, will perform The Phantom Dragsters, Tito Ramírez, The Dirty Browns, Os Amigos dos Músicos, The Cove and Stoyka.

If you are convinced and finally decide to attend, be prepared for two days full of energy, laughter and good experiences in an incredible atmosphere.