Ribadeo Indiano

A Celebration That Revives the Legacy of the Indianos

In 2025, Ribadeo will celebrate the tenth edition of its Festa Indiana, a vibrant event that transforms the town for several days to recreate early 20th-century society. Clothing, music, dances, tours, and games bring to life the cultural influence of the indianos—Galicians who returned home after emigrating to the Americas.

During the festival, locals and visitors dress in period costumes and take part in a full program of activities for all ages. Markets, concerts, guided tours, and one of the most anticipated events—the lively Xincana Indiana—are just some of the highlights.

The Xincana Indiana: Challenges, Clues, and Cleverness Through the Streets of Ribadeo

One of the most anticipated events of the Festa Indiana is “A Pegada Indiana”, a unique scavenger hunt for participants aged 18 and over. In teams, players move through key locations in the historic center, completing challenges that recreate the journey across the ocean—with their sights set on America.

The rules are simple: each completed task unlocks the next clue and earns points toward one of the three final prizes awarded at the end of the day. Prior registration is required, and all participants must follow the game rules, available at the link below:

The Past That Inspires the Festa Indiana

The story of the indianos is the heart of this celebration. Their journeys, their architecture, and their way of life transformed Ribadeo—and today, they are the soul of the festival. These two key elements will help you understand what is remembered and revived every summer.

History and Architecture

Fashion

History and Architecture

In the early 20th century, the return of emigrants from the Americas transformed the appearance and rhythm of life in Ribadeo. These returning indianos brought economic and social progress, leaving their mark on public works, education, culture—and especially, architecture.

The so-called casas indianas, with their mix of European and colonial styles, palm-lined gardens, and modern materials, became symbols of success and progress. Ribadeo today preserves one of the highest concentrations of these houses in Galicia, which can be admired through both urban and rural routes that showcase this legacy.

Fashion

The indianos didn’t just bring back wealth and ideas—they also imported a distinctive way of dressing that reflected elegance, modernity, and personal style.

Men wore guayaberas, linen suits, Panama hats, walking sticks, and pocket watches. Women favored wide dresses, floral hats, lace-trimmed parasols, hand fans, and long necklaces.