One year and a thousand reasons to celebrate the province of Pontevedra.
Discover the extensive and rich intangible heritage of the province of Pontevedra, which you can enjoy all year round. Its stunning natural areas, unforgettable sunsets, and coast and inland villages give rise to unique, authentic ways of life that are passed down from generation to generation: tales and pagan and religious rites and festivities linked to the beliefs and philosophies of its inhabitants. You can also discover artisanal traditions, centenary songs or traditional recipes that call for the unique produce this area has to offer, and which has sculpted our identity.
Be inspired by the ancestral history of the province of Pontevedra during your next getaway.
SAN XOÁN HERBS
San Xoán is the prelude to summer in Rías Baixas. Heading out to pick the herbs to prepare o cacho means welcoming the new season by cleansing oneself of all evil and making way for the good. Every 23rd June marks the traditional collection of 7 or more aromatic herbs, which are then left out in the dew on the most magical night of the year: the night of San Xoán, ready to wash oneself with their water the following morning.
FESTA DA COCA IN REDONDELA
Hundreds of people attend the Festa da Coca at the beginning of June each year, in homage to the tale behind the victory of the people of Redondela over the dragon. The village is decorated for the occasion, lined with spectacular floral rugs designed and created by the locals. They come together to celebrate the event with music and dance to accompany the procession of the A Gabacha Virgin.
RAPA DAS BESTAS
Once a year, the horses that roam freely through the mountains of Sabucedo are taken to the curros, which are enclosures where the aloitadores shave and deworm them before setting them free again. This tradition goes back centuries and it has now become one of Galicia’s biggest celebrations.
LINEN MAKING
Treating linen is a longstanding tradition in the Deza region. Collecting and processing the linen using tools passed down through generations is a chance for the local community to enjoy a wonderful reunion, accompanied by traditional music and songs, which really are the true protagonists of this event.
DARBO FESTIVAL
The Darbo Dance takes place in the month of September, and is one of Galicia’s oldest ancestral dances, dating back centuries. In honour of Saint María of Darbo, the female dancers (damas) wear colourful, floral hats and the male dancers (galáns) wear earrings and hats decorated with feathers.
VIKING FESTIVAL OF CATOIRA
One of the biggest pagan festivals in Rías Baixas is the epic re-enactment of the Viking invasion of Catoira, which takes place at the beginning of August. This is a great excuse to celebrate history with a huge festival that boasts local food and wine, as well as a wide range of cultural activities.
