Festivities to Remember, 100% Rías Baixas
The festivities, both large and small, held in the province of Pontevedra keep the deepest traditions of this land alive. Through them, key moments in history are remembered, the unique flavors of the Rías Baixas are honored, and local identity is proudly celebrated.
Whether historical, epic, artistic, or culinary, these popular celebrations are an essential part of the soul of the province. More than fifty have been recognized as Festivities of Tourist Interest, and seven of them even hold international distinction. This festive heritage, of immeasurable value, attracts thousands of visitors every year in search of excitement, culture, and authenticity.
Rapa das Bestas of Sabucedo
Each year, a unique spectacle captures the attention of photographers from around the world with its visual intensity and symbolic power. In Sabucedo, A Estrada, a tradition dating back to the 18th century is celebrated: the encounter between humans and horses to rid the animals of parasites. Without ropes or tools, the “aloitadores” engage in hand-to-hand combat with wild horses, relying solely on their skill and agility. These animals live freely in the mountains all year long, until the time comes for this ancestral ritual.
Albariño Fair
Each year, Cambados pays a grand tribute to Albariño, considered the prince of Galician wines. What began as a competition among local wineries, coinciding with the feast of the Virgen de la Pastora — the patron saint of this town in the Salnés region — has evolved into one of Galicia’s most renowned wine celebrations. Today, the festival draws tens of thousands of visitors and showcases Cambados’ deep connection to wine culture, with a diverse program that spans tradition and innovation, all under the quality seal of the Rías Baixas Designation of Origin.
Romería Vikinga
Every summer, the Vikings return to Galicia. Aboard their iconic drakkars, they land beside the Torres del Oeste in Catoira, ready to celebrate. What was once a feared invasion is now a massive festival that draws thousands of people eager to relive a story more than a thousand years old. This theatrical reenactment has become a shared symbol for many communities across Atlantic Europe that, like Catoira, once felt the echo of Viking raids.
Vilagarcía Water Festival
On August 16, the main day of the patron saint festivities in honor of San Roque is celebrated—a tradition that dates back to 1698. The day begins with a solemn procession in which the image of the saint is carried from the parish church to his chapel, along a route filled with deep popular devotion.
But everything changed in 1978, when a sweltering heatwave and the lively presence of brass bands from Pamplona triggered an unexpected reaction: locals began throwing buckets of water to cool down the participants.
Since then, the procession has transformed into an explosion of joy where devotion blends with festivity, water, and music—without losing respect for the saint. Every year, more people join this unique celebration, which has been recognized as a Festival of National Tourist Interest since 2006.
Romería ofSanta Marta of Ribarteme
Every July 29, the parish of San José de Ribarteme hosts one of Galicia’s most unique and ancient pilgrimages: the Romería dos Cadaleitos, also known as the Procession of the Almost Dead. In honor of Santa Marta de Ribarteme, patron saint of those who have come close to death, devotees fulfill their religious promises by traveling—in coffins and still alive—the route from the church to the cemetery and back. The procession is accompanied by chants such as:
Virgin Saint Marta, star of the North, we bring you those who have seen death.
It is a moment filled with symbolism and faith. Those who choose not to ride in coffins walk instead, draped in white gauze and carrying lit candles, following the image of the Saint, alongside Saint Benedict and the Virgin of Carmen. A celebration as striking as it is deeply spiritual, it has transcended borders thanks to its unique character.
