Festivals and Events

Festivals in Ribadeo

Ribadeo celebrates its identity through a wide variety of festivals and events that mark the rhythm of the year and reflect the warm, welcoming spirit of its people. Some of these traditions go back centuries; others are more recent. But all share the same essence: bringing together locals and visitors to enjoy, connect, and keep traditions alive.

The town’s festive calendar is rich and diverse. Celebrations fill the streets, squares, and parishes with life, strengthen bonds between generations, and offer visitors a chance to discover a vibrant local culture lived with pride and joy.

JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
ENERO
FEBERERO
MARZO
ABRIL
MAYO
JUNIO
JULIO
AGOSTO
SEPTIEMBRE
OCTUBRE
NOVIEMBRE
DICIEMBRE

january

FEBRUARY

  • (Dates may vary depending on Easter)
    Antroido (Carnival) – Begins 40 days before Maundy Thursday. The Sunday opening speech kicks off the festivities, followed by the parade of floats and troupes on Tuesday and the traditional burning of the Antroido on Saturday. One of the most eagerly awaited events of the year, with strong community involvement and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the town.

MARCH

  • (Antroido continues or is celebrated this month, depending on the year.)
    Colorful costumes, humor, and popular participation fill the streets with joy during one of Ribadeo’s most cherished festivals.

APRIL

MAY

  • Os Maios – Revival of an ancient tradition that celebrates the arrival of spring.
  • Ribadeo de Tapeo – Held during the third and fourth weeks of May. A gastronomic competition where local establishments offer creative small dishes made with local ingredients.

JUNE

  • Fiesta das Cruces – Seven weeks after Easter Sunday in A Ponte (Arante parish). A parade of parish banners commemorates the local resistance against Napoleonic troops during the Peninsular War.

JULY

  • Ribadeo Indiano – Second weekend of July. A historical reenactment that transforms the town into a vibrant early-20th-century setting.
  • Fiesta del Carmen – Organized by the Fishermen’s Guild, with a touching maritime procession honoring the patron saint of sailors.
  • Book Fair – Third week of July. Literary and cultural activities for all ages.
  • Percebe Festival – Late July or early August, in Rinlo. A lively celebration of the prized local goose barnacle (percebe), with tastings and maritime flair.

AUGUST

  • Xira de Santa Cruz – First Sunday of August. A National Tourist Interest pilgrimage with traditional music, floral offerings, and a countryside gathering at Mount Santa Cruz.
  • On & Off Short Film Festival – Since 2005, this creative event turns the streets into a giant set where film lovers shoot and even act in short films.
  • Emma Cuervo Trophy – A historic summer football match between Galician and Asturian teams.
  • Nautical Week – At the marina: regattas, swimming races, fishing contests, and various sea-related activities.
  • San Roque Festival – August 16. In honor of Ribadeo’s co-patron saint, with mass, procession featuring traditional “Cocos y Cabezudos,” music, and festivities until dawn.
  • Malla Day – Mid-August in As Anzas. A reenactment of traditional Galician grain threshing, celebrating rural heritage and community work.
  • Caldeiro-Style Beef Festival (Carne ao Caldeiro) – In Remourelle (Arante). A popular tasting event of this traditional dish, organized by local residents and producers.
  • Habaneras Festival – Organized by the Ribadeo Choir, featuring guest choirs from other towns.
  • Folklore Festival – Showcasing traditional music and dance from different countries.

SEPTEMBER

  • Santa María del Campo Patron Saint Festivities – September 8. Ribadeo’s “Semana Grande” includes religious ceremonies, concerts, children’s shows, parades, and outdoor parties throughout the town.
  • Daniel Cortezón Amateur Theatre Festival – Celebrating high-quality amateur theatre and honoring local playwright Daniel Cortezón, a key figure in 20th-century Galician theatre.

OCTOBER

  • Mar por Medio – One of the most important cultural events in Galicia since 1993. Recent editions have focused on sharing Galician culture, especially across Lusophone and Ibero-American countries.

NOVEMBER

  • Samaín – November 1. Revival of the ancient festival marking the end of summer, the harvest, and the beginning of winter.
  • Jazz & Blues Festival – Featuring top national and international jazz artists, alongside exhibitions, talks, film screenings, and vinyl markets.

DECEMBER

Culture, Markets, and Events

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january

FEBRUARY

  • (Dates may vary depending on Easter)
    Antroido (Carnival) – Begins 40 days before Maundy Thursday. The Sunday opening speech kicks off the festivities, followed by the parade of floats and troupes on Tuesday and the traditional burning of the Antroido on Saturday. One of the most eagerly awaited events of the year, with strong community involvement and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the town.

MARCH

  • (Antroido continues or is celebrated this month, depending on the year.)
    Colorful costumes, humor, and popular participation fill the streets with joy during one of Ribadeo’s most cherished festivals.

APRIL

MAY

  • Os Maios – Revival of an ancient tradition that celebrates the arrival of spring.
  • Ribadeo de Tapeo – Held during the third and fourth weeks of May. A gastronomic competition where local establishments offer creative small dishes made with local ingredients.

JUNE

  • Fiesta das Cruces – Seven weeks after Easter Sunday in A Ponte (Arante parish). A parade of parish banners commemorates the local resistance against Napoleonic troops during the Peninsular War.

JULY

  • Ribadeo Indiano – Second weekend of July. A historical reenactment that transforms the town into a vibrant early-20th-century setting.
  • Fiesta del Carmen – Organized by the Fishermen’s Guild, with a touching maritime procession honoring the patron saint of sailors.
  • Book Fair – Third week of July. Literary and cultural activities for all ages.
  • Percebe Festival – Late July or early August, in Rinlo. A lively celebration of the prized local goose barnacle (percebe), with tastings and maritime flair.

AUGUST

  • Xira de Santa Cruz – First Sunday of August. A National Tourist Interest pilgrimage with traditional music, floral offerings, and a countryside gathering at Mount Santa Cruz.
  • On & Off Short Film Festival – Since 2005, this creative event turns the streets into a giant set where film lovers shoot and even act in short films.
  • Emma Cuervo Trophy – A historic summer football match between Galician and Asturian teams.
  • Nautical Week – At the marina: regattas, swimming races, fishing contests, and various sea-related activities.
  • San Roque Festival – August 16. In honor of Ribadeo’s co-patron saint, with mass, procession featuring traditional “Cocos y Cabezudos,” music, and festivities until dawn.
  • Malla Day – Mid-August in As Anzas. A reenactment of traditional Galician grain threshing, celebrating rural heritage and community work.
  • Caldeiro-Style Beef Festival (Carne ao Caldeiro) – In Remourelle (Arante). A popular tasting event of this traditional dish, organized by local residents and producers.
  • Habaneras Festival – Organized by the Ribadeo Choir, featuring guest choirs from other towns.
  • Folklore Festival – Showcasing traditional music and dance from different countries.

SEPTEMBER

  • Santa María del Campo Patron Saint Festivities – September 8. Ribadeo’s “Semana Grande” includes religious ceremonies, concerts, children’s shows, parades, and outdoor parties throughout the town.
  • Daniel Cortezón Amateur Theatre Festival – Celebrating high-quality amateur theatre and honoring local playwright Daniel Cortezón, a key figure in 20th-century Galician theatre.

OCTOBER

  • Mar por Medio – One of the most important cultural events in Galicia since 1993. Recent editions have focused on sharing Galician culture, especially across Lusophone and Ibero-American countries.

NOVEMBER

  • Samaín – November 1. Revival of the ancient festival marking the end of summer, the harvest, and the beginning of winter.
  • Jazz & Blues Festival – Featuring top national and international jazz artists, alongside exhibitions, talks, film screenings, and vinyl markets.

DECEMBER

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