The Rías Baixas, situated on the west coast of Galicia, are known for their impressive natural landscapes, cultural wealth, delicious gastronomy and charming fishing villages. In addition to all of this, the area is also famous for its cultural celebrations, in particular its medieval festivals, which are held throughout the year.
In this article, we list some of the most famous medieval festivals Rías Baixas have to offer. Additionally, our ferry company, Mar de Ons, offers special trips for a convenient way to attend some of the most famous festivals, such as La Arribada (The Arrival) or La Reconquista (The Reconquest). See you on board!
What are medieval festivals?
Medieval festivals are celebrations that commemorate historic events and recreate the life and culture of the Middle Ages. These festivals usually include parades, theatrical performances, medieval markets, music and dance shows, as well as games and activities for the whole family. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s history to celebrate and enjoy a festive and fun atmosphere.
During the medieval festivals, you can enjoy typical gastronomy, in this case from the Rías Baixas, such as empanadas (pies), octopus, cheeses, traditional sweets and wine. Moreover, in its typical medieval markets, you can find all types of artisan products, including floral decorations and costume jewellery.
At these celebrations, performances depicting the occupations and day-to-day activities of the Middle Ages are common, offering visitors an authentic and educational experience. You will also be able to dress up in typical costumes from the specific period each festival is dedicated to, which is very popular with this type of medieval festival.
These celebrations are not only a form of entertainment, but they are also a way of preserving and spreading the history and traditions of each region. Medieval festivals attract tourists and locals alike, creating an atmosphere of fun and learning, which will transport you to a bygone era full of magic and mystery.
Why are they so popular in the Rías Baixas?
The Rías Baixas has a rich medieval history, with a plethora of castles, monasteries and fortified towns that date back to this period. In addition, the region boasts a large number of legends and myths from the Middle Ages. Therefore, it’s the perfect setting to celebrate medieval festivals and relive the past. Here are some of the reasons the Rías Baixas is the ideal place for this type of celebration:
- Legends and traditions: the region of the Rías Baixas exudes legends and myths that date back to the Middle Ages. These mystical stories and cultural traditions add an element of mystery and magic to the medieval celebrations.
- Authentic experience: during the medieval festivals in the Rías Baixas, attendees have the chance to immerse themselves in a festive and colourful atmosphere, enjoying the typical gastronomy of that era, take part in interactive activities and watch historical re-enactments that provide an authentic and educational experience.
- Preservation of history and traditions: the medieval festivals in the Rías Baixas help to keep the historical and cultural memory of Galicia alive, attracting visitors interested in learning about the past and discovering more about life in the Middle Ages.
5 popular medieval festivals in the Rías Baixas
Below, we tell you about some of the most popular medieval festivals in the Rías Baixas:
Festa da Arribada in Baiona (March)
The Festa da Arribada is one of the most important medieval festivals of the Rías Baixas and Galicia in general. It’s held each year in the coastal town of Baiona. This festival commemorates the arrival of the caravel Pinta in 1493, after returning from its trip to America with Christopher Columbus. For three days, this town transforms into a medieval village, with parades, markets, shows and activities for the whole family. You will also be able to watch historical re-enactments of the arrival of the caravel and the signing of the Treaty of Tordesillas. Every year, our ferry company, Mar de Ons, offers special trips from different ports to reach Baiona, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a comprehensive experience.
Festa da Reconquista in Vigo (March)
The Festa da Reconquista is one of Galicia’s oldest medieval festivals and is held in the city of Vigo. This festival commemorates the ‘reconquista’ or reconquest of the city by the Christians in the 12th century. For three days, this olive-producing town transforms into a medieval town, with parades, markets, shows and activities for the whole family. In the same way, you will be able to watch historical re-enactments of the battle and capture of the city while you try a variety of the festival’s traditional produce, including wine, ‘filloas’ (crepes) or typical ‘choripanes’ (chorizo sandwich).
Here at the Mar de Ons ferry company, we offer different trips on our boats from Cangas for anyone wanting to attend this famous festival in Vigo from this port.
Festa do Corpus in Ponteareas (June)
The Festa do Corpus is a religious celebration that takes place in the municipality of Ponteareas, in the province of Pontevedra. During this festival, the streets are adorned with floral carpets and processions take place with religious figures. At this event, you will also be able to enjoy a medieval market, music and dance shows and activities for the little ones. Additionally, you will be able to try the delicious local gastronomy, such as the infamous ‘pulpo a la gallega’ (Galician-style octopus).
Festa da Coca in Redondela (June)
Festa da Coca is a medieval festival held in the town of Redondela, near the city of Vigo. During this festival, the legend of ‘Coca’ is recreated, a mythological creature that inhabited the river and terrorised the town’s inhabitants. In addition to the parades and medieval markets, you will also be able to attend theatrical re-enactments of the legend and try top-quality local products, such as the infamous ‘empanada gallega’ (Galician pie).
Feira Franca in Pontevedra (September)
Feira Franca is one of the most important medieval festivals in the Rías Baixas and is celebrated in the city of Pontevedra. This festival commemorates the privilege granted by King Henry IV in the 15th century, which allowed a duty-free market to be held for two days in the city.
During the Feira Franca, the streets are bursting with stalls of handicrafts and local products, recreating a medieval atmosphere with performances, parades and historical re-enactments. Similarly, you will be able to enjoy music, dance, street theatre and food tasting of traditional Galician dishes.
How to enjoy the medieval festivals in the Rías Baixas?
If you want to enjoy the medieval festivals in the Rías Baixas to the max, here are some tips:
Plan your visit
Medieval festivals usually take place on specific dates, so it’s important to plan your visit in advance, as they are usually very crowded. Check the calendar of events on the websites of the different town councils mentioned or at the tourist information office to make sure you don’t miss any of the festivals. Additionally, if you want to visit these festivals without relying on a car or finding a parking space, consider the option of going by boat. You can check the timetables and departure ports of our boats on our website www.mardeons.es
Dress for the occasion
If you want to immerse yourself in the medieval era, you can dress up in traditional costumes or clothing inspired by the Middle Ages. You can also buy accessories in the medieval markets to complete your outfit, such as floral crowns or bandanas.
Try the local gastronomy
Medieval festivals are a perfect opportunity to try the delicious gastronomy of the Rías Baixas. Don’t miss typical dishes like Galician-style octopus, empanadas or lacón con grelos (ham with turnip tops).
Take part in the activities
Medieval festivals offer a wide range of activities to suit all ages. Don’t hesitate to join the parades, games and shows to enjoy a unique and complete experience.
Enjoy these medieval festivals on board a boat with the Mar de Ons ferry company. See you there!
