Flowers and festivities: how June begins in Galicia

June in Galicia is a vibrant time, when tradition and celebration intertwine in numerous popular festivals that attract both locals and visitors. This month marks the beginning of summer and, with it, an explosion of events that reflect Galicia's rich culture. From St. John's cacharelas to music festivals, this month's festivities offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Galician customs and tradition. However, the month begins in a very colorful way: with lots of flowers.

Flower carpet festival

On the occasion of the celebration of Corpus Christi, the first Sunday of June, many municipalities give free rein to their creativity and talent to create beautiful floral carpets that adorn the streets. These are localities such as Bueu, Ares or Ponteareas. 

In Bueu this flowery tradition has been celebrated since the XVII century, although its peak was between the 1940s and 1950s. In 2015 the Asociación das Alfombras do Corpus de Bueu was born, a collective that revitalized this tradition, making the route more central and visual. Today, these tapestries cover 1.5 kilometers of the most central streets.

In the case of Ares, this celebration has been held since 1986. The tapestries, one kilometer long, are elaborated by the neighbors of the town, organized in six work groups. The Asociación de Alfombras Florais de Ares has such knowledge of their work, that they are not only meticulous with the making of the carpets, but also with the collection of the flowers that compose them, for which they have a calendar.

In Ponteareas, the tradition is more than 150 years old. The spectacular aspect of this celebration is not only in the final result of the carpet, but also in the making of it. During the hours of its elaboration, the neighbors use a variety of plants, among them hydrangeas, myrtle, mimosa, fennel or roses.

Feast of Corpus Christi, da Coca, As Penlas and the Danza das Espadas

For five days, with the legend of a dragon and young sailors facing him to free their captives as the central axis, Redondela celebrates the Festas da Coca with Corpus Christi as the big day. During these dates, a procession takes place, through the streets decorated with floral carpets, in which the figure of Coca participates, accompanied by the dancers of the Swords and the Penlas.

Rose Festival

Mos celebrates its unique Festa da Rosa. It is celebrated every year on June 13 since 1973, to praise the Rosa dos Quirós, marquises from whom the emblem present in the coat of arms of the Concello was inherited.

After these festivities in which the flower is the main protagonist, other celebrations follow until the arrival of summer with the cacharelas of San Juan on the most magical night of the year.