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| Romeria Vikinga August 3 Catoira, Pontevedra, Galicia. The Vikings even got down to Spain, the first blondes on the beach all those years ago. The blondes might be welcome now but they weren't then and there was a lot of fierce fighting. So in remembrance of the bravery of their ancestors, the first Sunday in August every year, the locals of Catoira re-enact the Viking invasion of a thousand years ago. "Torres de Oeste," is the event as the locals defend their castle and property from the invaders. Of course really its just an excuse for a fiesta and after the battle there's lots of free food and drink. Bands, singers and dancers in traditional garb continue the festivities. Get there early it's very popular and the events start at 10 am with a medieval market and street performances. Then later on the battle begins, instead of deadly weapons now though as the Viking ships attack the modern weapon is litres of red wine Fireworks and celebrations go into the night. August Every year, on the first Sunday in August, the residents of Catoira, Galicia, in Northern Spain recreate the drama and horror of a viking invasion that there forefathers suffered back in the day a thousand years ago. Huge crowds of people make their way to this Galician village every first Sunday in August to witness this brilliantly exciting traditional fiesta. Local residents, dressed as Viking warriors, have been acting out the pirate attack on the village since 1960. The fiesta starts at around 10am with performances by folk groups in the streets of Catoira and at the main celebration venue, Torres del Oeste Castle. This fortified structure from the 11th century is one of the most important archaeological and historical legacies in Galicia. It resisted military raids for centuries. Nowadays, it contains the ruins of two towers and a chapel dedicated to St James the Apostle. During the festival it serves as a medieval market and, at lunchtime, there are mussels and Ulla wine for people taking part in the procession. Later on comes the main attraction of the festivities: the disembarkation. The invaders arrive at the northern Spanish coast on board a replica 11th-century Viking vessel with the goal of capturing Torres del Oeste Castle. The local residents try to resist the attack and there is a simulated battle where the participants end up completely soaked with wine. After the battle, everyone joins in a picnic of local produce such as octopus, roasted sardines, pies, etc., with the pleasant sound of typical bagpipes playing in the background. The fun continues well into the night with open-air celebrations and activities such as literary proclamations and the staging of a play. Pontevedra Tourist Office General Gutiérrez Mellado, 1 Bajo 36001 Pontevedra (Pontevedra) Contact details Tel.: +34 986850814 oficina.turismo.pontevedra@xunta.es Turgalicia Carretera Santiago-Noia Km 3. A. Barcia 15896 Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña) Tel: +34 902200432 e-mail: cir.turgalicia@xunta.es web: www.turgalicia.es |
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