Mussel and Cockle Festivals

Mussels and cockles reign supreme at the table

Vilanova de Arousa pays tribute to both molluscs in a delicious feast

Fishing and shellfishing have been the bread and butter of life for the people of Vilanova de Arousa (Vilagarcía de Arousa). And if anyone can present a dish better than anyone else, it is those who have been preparing and tasting it for as long as they can remember. Mussels and cockles are bivalve molluscs abundant in the estuary. Galicia is a world exporter of the former thanks to its coastal orography; the estuaries have an unbeatable location and the mussel rafts have become their home. As for the latter, they are collected by shellfish gatherers under the mud on the beach at low tide.

And with the movement of the tides and the moon comes the cool of the evening, which will be well received with these appetizers, which can be prepared in different ways: steamed, in vinaigrette, in pickled sauce, etc. An encounter that will undoubtedly be accompanied by other seafood and local dishes. All from the second week of August.

To see and visit in Vilanova de Arousa

If you decide to enjoy this gastronomic festival, we suggest other ideas to make the most of your trip, such as visiting the house of O Cuadrante , where Ramón María del Valle-Inclán, the internationally famous playwright, was born. The church of A Pastoriza or the church of San Cibrán and the chapel of La Encarnación are other recommended visits.

The viewpoint of Mount Lobeira and a walk through O Esteiro de Vilanova de Arousa are also great options.