FEBRUARY

19 Feb - Feira do Cocido in Lalin

The region known as "País do Deza" forms a crossroads in the heart of Galicia, characterised by immense and shadowy oak woods. Its inhabitants are the proud custodians of their local traditions, centred around fairgrounds, sanctuaries such as the shrine to O Corpiño, and the stately manor homes of the nobility. They have all acted as sources of inspiration for illustrious figures that were born in this area. This festival, which pays tribute to the pig, called the "rei do pote" due to the fact that every part of the animal is used in local dishes, is held on the Sunday prior to the Entroido or Carnival celebrations, known as "Domingo de Corredoiro". The central event of this festival is the hearty Galician cocido, the authentic local stew, served up with traditional music and entertainment.

Last week in February - Carnival de Cobres in Vilaboa

This borough leads on to the O Morrazo peninsula. It is crowned by Xaxán Hill and Castiñeiras Lake, with roads leading to neighbouring Moaña. Its parishes look out onto the bay and San Simón Island and the Rande Straits, and preserve many customs related to the medieval seafaring tradition. The Carnival celebrations include rituals, elaborate costumes, dancing, singing and music, as well as the traditional "galáns e galanas" - traditional figures from the Entroido celebrations in Cobres. Initiation rites and games to test the skills of the younger inhabitants all combine to herald the blossoming of spring.

MARCH

First weekend in March - Arribada de la Carabela Pinta in Baiona

This town, characterised by vestiges of its medieval and Renaissance past, stands in a sheltered bay at the entrance to the Vigo inlet. A port worthy of royal favours in the past, its walls enclose the legendary Tower of the Príncipe de Monterreal, today converted into a Parador. Facing the Cíes Islands, Baiona is home to a monument commemorating the arrival of the Caravela Pinta, depicting the discovery, natives, treasures and first news from the New World. This event, which took place in 1493, is commemorated on the first weekend in March every year with a recreation of the Renaissance atmosphere in its cobbled streets: stalls and taverns offer their wares and crafts, together with exhibitions of ancient Galician seafaring traditions.

APRIL

28 Apr - Fiesta Exposicion Viño do Ribeiro

The date of this fair varies, although it is normally held in early May, on a site boasting the stately homes of the nobility and churches with charming towers as well as the more humble dwellings of the winemakers. Ribadavia is imbued with the very essence of the local " ribeiros", and particularly those that lived on the banks of the Avia, the river that flows between the terraced vineyards or "socalcos" where the grapes of the Pazos de Arenteiro, Leiro and Beade ripen, on its way to join the Miño in Ribadavia. The city grew up around the Sarmiento family castle, and boasts a Jewish quarter complete with ancient wine cellars, a cool freshness and something of a pagan sanctuary and authentic local associations. This wine festival is a display and exaltation of the very finest wines produced by the famous vineyards along the riverside such as Barbantes, Razamonde, Ventosela, Esposende, Castrelo, A Arnoia, San Cristovo, Beade, Leiro, Beiro, San Clodio, Riobó, Gomariz, Pazos de Arenteiro, Varón, etc.

MAY

Last weekend in May - Fiesta Corpus Christi in Ponteareas

A fertile valley running along the banks of the River Tea, lying between the Paradanta and Galleiro Hills, in the region of O Condado, and rich in archaeological remains from various periods. The area’s bestknown festival, Corpus Christi, is held during the weekend following "Corpus Christi", and is famous for its elaborate floral carpets. This is a delicate and sadly ephemeral art form, whose intricate multicoloured and geometrical shapes are the result of a whole night’s work in which the whole town is involved, in readiness for the solemn procession at noon the following day.

JULY

First weekend in July - Rapa das Bestas de Sabucedo

The first weekend in July. It takes place in Terra de Montes, rich in archaeological remains, particularly petroglyphs - prehistoric stone carvings depicting spirals, astral symbols, animals and hunting and taming scenes, such as those on display in the neighbouring borough of Campo Lameiro. Herds of wild horses and cows move freely around these open lands, which are also ideal for hunting and fishing. Everything is connected to the ancient fiesta of the "Rapa das Bestas", where the paddock or "curro" becomes the focal point in the struggle to tame the wild horses, the essence of speed, sun and life that are said to have been "fathered by the wind".

Second week in July - Festival Internacional Mundo Celta in Ortigueira

The venue for this festival lies between the surprising Ortegal Cape and Estaca de Bares, on the slopes of the Capelada, Coriscada and Faladoira Hills that lead to the sanctuary of San Andrés de Teixido. This is an area of great geological value where the sea flows gently into the land, forming a maze-like inlet. It is here, among the magnificent beaches, archaeological remains and strong Celtic traditions, that this festival of Celtic solidarity is held during the third weekend in July. Particular emphasis is given to traditional and contemporary music, and the finest groups in the Western Atlantic region regularly come to perform at Ortigueira.

25 Aug - Fiesta del Apostol in Santiago

The greatest Galician festival of all is held on 25th July, turning the city of Santiago de Compostela and its cathedral into the principal summer reference. It is a meeting point for ancient trails and European traditions. All Galician festivals and "romerías" represent an ancient call to gather around sacred and profane elements that contain a heavy sense of symbolism. At midnight on the eve of the Day of the Apostle, a spectacular fireworks display is held in Obradoiro Square, including the traditional "burning of the Cathedral façade", further proof of the ancient cult to the colourful igneous phenomena, staged by firework experts. The fantasy of lights, colour and creativity brings out the full force of the Baroque stonework that characterises the citys architectural heritage. On the morning of the 25th a solemn offering is made to the Apostle in the cathedral, followed by a parade around the streets featuring giant headed figures accompanied by traditional music and concerts in the citys squares. "Romerías" and festivities take place in the carballeiras, under a canopy of centuries-old oak trees. The Festival of the Apostle is the synthesis and essence of Galician sentiment, a call and convergence for solidarity in a historic setting.

Last weekend in July - Festa do Carneiro o Espeto in Moraña

Traditional songs refer to Moraña as a land of stonemasons and mule drivers that travelled between the hills and the sea. And it is here that wild horses still run free, only to be subjected to the traditional rapa das bestas. Judging by the remains discovered here, this magnificent landscape has been a wealthy source of agriculture and livestock for man since prehistoric times. History has given rise to this festival held on the last Sunday in July, a magnificent culinary, farming and rural celebration, that has only been improved upon by the contributions made following the comings and goings between Latin America, which delights in its barbecued and grilled meats. The Festa do Carneiro ó espeto is one of those time-honoured traditions that simply get better and better as the years go by. Salnés wine is an essential ingredient in this feast, which includes succulent roast lamb served on the banks of the River Umia, accompanied by poetry and songs and pleasant conversation.

AUGUST

First week in August - Festa do Viño Albariño in Cambados

A town of noble ideals, Cambados faces the Arousa inlet, formed by the River Ulla and the mouth of the Umia which borders the region known as Salnés. This is an inlet of spectacular sunsets, and lands that served as an inspiration for the poetry of Ramón Cabanillas. The landscape is scattered by those tall and noble vines where the grapes of the celebrated Albariño or Espadeiro wines ripen. The sun terraces of vast stone manor houses originally built as defence towers look out over paradisiacal landscapes. Cambados celebrates its wine festival on the first Sunday in August, and its meticulously organised wine-tasting session attracts true gourmets and connoisseurs. This is a time for extolling the delights offered by both sea and land in the very heart of the "Rías Baixas".

06 Aug - Festa do Pemento de Herbon in Padron

The River Ulla winds its way from Padrón towards the Arousa inlet, a source of inspiration for the prayers and labours of the Franciscan friars who built their monastery here before setting off to travel the world. On their return they brought back with them the seeds of these small yet delicious peppers that are bursting with the ironic flavour of Padrón-born Nobel prize winner Camilo José Cela, a staunch defender and proclaimer of their delights. Man has left his mark on this landscape; for here we can find the pesqueiras used to trap the lampreys, eels and trout; or creeping vines and kitchen gardens which produce those tiny peppers, carefully pampered to ensure that they receive exactly the right amount of water and heat. The festival, held on the first Saturday in August, has all the ingredients tat are essential for any Galician festivity. It takes place in the ancient and shadowy oak wood overlooking the river and the old Franciscan monastery, where, as the song goes, we will find San Antoniño vertendo auga polo peito. Here we will find the true flavour of a people that have been described in the songs and tales of writers and poets throughout history.

07 Aug - Romaria Vikinga de Catoira

The present revive memories from the past thanks to the historical fiestas that are held at the province of Pontevedra. The tourists can live the Viking invasion in Catoira, the arrival of the Pinta Caravel in Baiona, which brought news about the Discovery of America or they can come back to the Middle Ages and walk through medieval markets in the city of Pontevedra. The first historical fiesta at Rías Baixas takes place in spring with the Arrival of the Pinta Caravel at Baiona harbour. This fiesta (called Arribada), declared of Tourist Interest, remembers the first day of March 1493, when the Pinta Caravel, commanded by Martín Alonso Pinzón, berthed at Baiona harbour with news about the Discovery of the new world. This Caravel brought many things that aroused people's curiosity about the existence of a new continent: maize, potatoes, cotton, tobacco, parrots, gold, etc. Without any doubt, the thing that surprised most Baiona citizens was the three indigenous people that arrive with the crew. The Arribada shows the environment of that period of time with crafts, old traditions performances, and gastronomic products from the 15h century, music, juggle and minstrels. The first weekend of August, Vikings occupy Catoira in a traditional fiestas declare Fiesta of International Tourist Interest. This event shows, since 1961, the invasions of Viking warriors (followers of King Thor) that took place in the 8th century. The fear that these barbarians had spread, caused the construction of the West Towers (Torres do Oeste) in Catoira, at Ulla River banks. These towers had the mission of protect and defend Compostela from a possible attack. At this Viking fiesta, a drakkar (typical Viking boat) near the Ulla River mouth. Loads of young threatening Vikings take the West Towers in order to taste mussels, pie and to drink red wine, as a symbol of the blood shed in the invasion. The first week of September takes place the Feira Franca in Pontevedra. This fiesta revives memories from the middle ages at the Lérez River city. During the Feira Franca, the visitor can walk through craftsmanship markets, falconry shows, Medieval and Egyptian dances, old Romance songs, fashion parades, theatre plays, gastronomic tasting, etc. Turismo Rías Baixas, placed in a small monumental palace at the old quarter of Pontevedra, also develops medieval activities at its central office. Last year, it offered to the children the possibility of taking pictures riding a horse called “Surprising” and became The Knight of the Rías Baixas.

This event is celebrated in the shade of the Eastern Towers, the site of a former Roman settlement where the medieval towers once stood in defence of the route along the River Ulla to Jacobsland - the name given to Santiago de Compostela by the Norsemen. It is here, on this site steeped in history, that an re-enactment of the Viking invasions is carried out on the first Sunday in August: the Viking "drakkars" put into port... "aturuxos", the lusty cries of the strong redheaded Norsemen with their horned helmets ring out as they brandish their swords...the "Christians", powerless before these fighting men and forced to surrender following a skirmish intermingled with smoke and fire, yet the conclusion is a fraternal gathering of actors and spectators around the table, to the accompaniment of the gaiteiros (pipers), whilst the sound of celebratory rockets echoes around the Arousa inlet.

14 Aug - Festa do Polvo – Carballiño

This town is located on the edge of the ancient roads that ran from the Monastery of Oseira as far as the lands of the Ribeiro. It is home to the spectacular Vera-Cruz church, the work of Modernist architect Antonio Palacios and which contains the essence of Galician architecture, as well as the vast Municipal Park that runs along the banks of the Arenteiro, and which forms the setting every second Sunday in August for the Octopus Festival. This delicacy is popular with travellers, and can be found at fairs, festivals and "romería" alike, although it is the speciality of the pulpeiras from the parish of Arcos. It used to be prepared using the dried octopus brought from the ports by the mule drivers, which they would exchange for the products of the land, and which served as the perfect accompaniment for the "Cea Bread". A "Xantar enxebre" - a meal shared with friends and family - under the shade of the trees or in tents, accompanied by traditional music and dancing.

16 Aug - Fiesta del Agua (San Roque) – Villagarcia

This town lies in a privileged location in a land scattered with the magnificent manor houses of the Salnés region. The lookout points of Monte Lobeira offer breathtaking panoramic views. Vilagarcía is a land of festivals and fairs, examples of which include the Camellia Festival and the festivities dedicated to San Roque, a count and wise healer from Montpellier who made the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, held around 16th August. The image of the saint is taken around the town in a procession to the accompaniment of an unusual rhythm. The festivities provide the young people of the town with the perfect excuse to hold their water fights. Other events include a flower and a naval battle.

20 Aug - Fiesta Empanada de Bandeira

The Deza region is criss-crossed with ancient trails that remind us of the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela and where the ancient Cistercian monastery of Carboeiro stands as proof of the splendour of the medieval period. Lands whose inhabitants retain all the culinary skills and know how of the inn keepers and friars of the past who offered their hospitality to pilgrims and mule drivers alike, and where the traditional pies were considered a delicacy by those following the Camino de Santiago. Proof of this is the pie festival held on the third Saturday in August, where visitors can sample the varieties of pastries, fillings and shapes on offer and that make up the typical Galician pies, first brought here by the Romans.

Last weekend in August - Festa da Istoria - Ribadavia

Ribadavia’s historic centre - above which stand the ruins of the castle of the Sarmiento family -, famed for its Jewish quarter with its sturdy houses and arches, is the setting on the last Saturday in August for an exceptional festival that recreates the traditional Jewish atmosphere. This town, which also organises a Drama Festival, knows how to get the best out of its costumes and playacting, recreating an authentic medieval environment. The maravedí is the only legal tender accepted in the streets where craftsmen display their wares and where we can all too easily come across noblemen, guilds, winemakers, puppeteers, the "irmandiños" ( bands of peasants), and even executioners... The local taverns exude a special atmosphere that brings the capital of the Ribeiro region to life.

SEPTEMBER

First Weekend of September - Feira Franca de Pontevedra

The first weekend of September, people from Pontevedra put on their Sunday best (according to medieval custom) with hairdos, jewels, skirts and bodices for women. The wardrobe for men is wider and can have aristocrat, soldier, monk, farmer or artisan outfits. Pontevedra streets are decorated with flags and curtains on the fronts, banners and coloured ribbons, green bunches and flowers. The squares of this city become open-air dining rooms, where it is possible to taste medieval menus in wood tables under marquees decorated with colourful fabrics. In the squares, tourists could taste dishes from that period, such us the Tishpitti, which is a Sephardic cake with walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. In Santa María la Mayor, a big market takes place, and the visitor can buy food, drinks, silk and linen, jewels, ceramic and leather, bobbin laces, paintings and games. By the Camino Viejo de Castilla (currently the Santa Clara Street) takes place the performance of the Ribeiro wine transport in a parade that goes through several streets until it arrives at the Ferrería Square. A huge market takes place there as well, with medieval products and craftsmanship. The old quarter streets are full of acrobats, jugglers and artists that recreate stories and plays. Parades with giants and beasts, fireworks, dances, medieval music, birds exhibition, epic poems, popular songs and magic are some of the activities that the Feira Franca offers in Pontevedra.

OCTOBER

Second Sunday in October - Festa de Exaltacion do Marisco – O Grove

This town stands between the inlets of Arousa and Pontevedra, just beyond the vast beach and sanctuary of A Lanzada, in the borough of Sanxenxo, a place of pilgrimage for sterile women who bathe in the "nove ondas" (nine waves of the sea). Here the Peninsula of San Vicente looks out onto the Island of Sálvora, as recorded in the traditional song: " ¡Ai Salvora, Ai San Vicente...as nenas bonitas hainas en...!" Not to be missed is a visit to the spa-island of A Toxa, an essential reference in the history of tourism in Galicia. Nor must visitors to this festival leave without sampling the wide range of shellfish on offer, proof that this is a region of exceptional delicacies, washed down with the wines of the "Rías Baixas".