Much more than the Apostle: popular Galician festivals in July

Although many Galicians and many tourists who are planning their vacations in Galicia for July are probably thinking about important festivals such as the feast of Santiago Apostle, celebrated in the Galician capital and throughout the community, the truth is that the Galician lands have much more to offer. In this new entry, we present just some of the festivals and popular gatherings that will take place this month.

Although many Galicians and many tourists who are planning their vacations in Galicia for July are probably thinking about important festivals such as the feast of Santiago Apostle, celebrated in the Galician capital and throughout the community, the truth is that the Galician lands have much more to offer. In this new entry, we present just some of the festivals and popular gatherings that will take place this month.

Mugardos Octopus Festival

The octopus fishing was one of the most outstanding activities of the port of Mugardos in the XVIII century. Now, within the celebration of the Festas do Carme, the municipality pays tribute to him with a gastronomic party on the promenade. This year the XXXII edition will be held on July 13 with brass bands, orchestra and lots and lots of octopus.

Betanzos Medieval Fair

The Feira Franca Medieval of Betanzos is celebrated since 1998, inspired by the concession of free fairs that were granted in the Middle Ages to different localities to promote trade. In the case of Betanzos, King Henry IV of Castile granted the city the privilege of holding two annual tax-free fairs in the 15th century.

This year, Betanzos celebrates the twenty-fifth edition of a festival that is already, along with its tortilla, one of the flagships of the municipality of A Coruña. The celebration will begin on Thursday 11 with the completion of the placement of the stalls. There will be crafts, dances, fire shows, childrens activities, magic, music and much more.

Carrilanas of Esteiro

The Gran Premio de Carrilanas de Esteiro has its origins in local tradition and craftsmanship. Over time, it has evolved from a simple competition between neighbors to a nationally and internationally recognized event. The first official edition was held in 1988, and since then it has grown in popularity and in the number of participants.

In addition to the main race, the event includes various complementary activities such as concerts, exhibitions, workshops and other attractions for the whole family. This year it will be held on July 19, 20 and 21.

Dorna Festival

The Festa da Dorna was created in 1948 by a group of friends who decided to organize a different celebration, with a strong humorous and creative tone, in honor of the dorna, a traditional Galician fishing boat. The dorna is a symbol of the region's maritime culture. It is celebrated from July 18 to 24 in Ribeira.

Festa da Bica

The Festa da Bica is a celebration that has been held the last weekend of July in A Pobra de Trives since 1972. This festival stands out for the bica, a typical gastronomic product of the region, which becomes the center of the celebration.

With more than half a century behind it, this year it will be held on July 27 and 28, and promises to be an unforgettable party.

In addition to these proposals, this month we can also find the festivities of San Benitiño de Lérez, the Feira do Viño do Rosal, the International Celtic World Festival of Ortigueira, the Vieira de Cambados festival, the Romaría da Fraga, the Festa do Carneiro ao Espeto and, of course, the festivities of the Apostle.