German Limeres’s picture captures some of the action of the Viking Festival of Catoira (held first weekend in August). The sun was shinning and the crowds gathered more than 2 hours in advance to wait for the special recreation of the Viking’s arrival, invasion and heritage of living in the ancient land of Galicia more than a thousand years ago.
People traveled from all over Galicia and Spain along with people from other countries as tourists as well as those of us living here to celebrate in one of the many exciting, colorful and alive festivals sharing the rich, vibrant and diverse heritage that makes Galicia so unique.
German’s picture captures some of the exciting action and there are a few snapshots I took to capture the crowds who were there to take in the action of the festival. Another fun and new festival experience!
History of the Festival de Catoira: “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.” – www.Spain.info
A little of the Festivities – amongst the crowds: Video Link:
[youtube=http://youtu.be/imuQDk0ae-I]
German Limeres Photography
www.germanlimeres.com
