Corpus Christi - Fiesta de la Coca

Culture and tradition, religion and paganism, dance and procession, the Virgin of A Gabacha and the mythological animal of Coca... they all take part in the unique and emblematic Corpus Christi of Redondela. According to the legend it has been celebrated since Corpus Christi Day of 1482, when a mythological beast known as the Coca, which lived in the waters of San Simón, appeared during the procession. The creature used to attack and devour young girls without anyone being able to stop it, but this time a group of the bravest men in town decided to face the dragon and succeeded. The town celebrated its death with a procession where the young girls danced while carrying other girls on their shoulders, thus creating the Penla dance. Together with the Sword Dance, it began to be performed every year during the most important event of the town, the Corpus Christi. It was declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in 2001.