The Vilanova de Arousa Mussel and Cockle Festival has kicked off its 32nd edition today, having been recognised as a Festival of National Tourist Interest (FITN). This title further raises the profile of a culinary celebration that already has its sights set on making the leap onto the international stage.
The launch of the extensive programme of activities, which will run until Sunday 9 August, took place this morning with the official opening of the food marquee set up in Plaza de O Castro. With a capacity of up to 600 people, this venue aims to welcome an average of 2,600 diners a day, according to the City Council.
The opening ceremony of the festivities was presided over by the Mayor of Vilanova, Gonzalo Durán; the Regional Minister for Culture, José López; the provincial councillor and Baiona town councillor, Jesús Vázquez; the Director of Tourism for the Pontevedra Provincial Council, Romina Fernández; the Deputy Mayor and provincial councillor, Javier Tourís; as well as other regional, provincial and local representatives. In his speech, Gonzalo Durán expressed his satisfaction at the Mussel and Cockle Festival having been awarded National Tourist Interest (FITN) status and revealed that work is already underway to secure international recognition for the event. The mayor of Vilanova emphasised that “every year we welcome more visitors”, which positions the municipality as a leading tourist destination, a status further enhanced by this celebration.
In this regard, both Vázquez and López congratulated the local council on the festival’s designation as a Festival of National Tourist Interest, as it represents a “quantum leap in quality” for the event. Indeed, the Regional Minister for Culture cited the Vilanova event as an example of that “Galicia Calidade” which embodies the autonomous community’s vast gastronomic potential.
Dishes at affordable prices
The food marquee opened its doors at 1.00 pm, but even before then, long queues had already begun to form as diners queued up to sample some of the 8 culinary offerings available at affordable prices (between 7 and 14 euros). Visitors can sample steamed mussels, mussels in vinaigrette or ‘tigre’ style, mussel pies, steamed cockles, mussel croquettes, pies and octopus ‘á feira’, as well as desserts, bread and drinks. The area set up in Plaza de O Castro will be open from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm and from 8.00 pm to midnight.
A very full programme
The programme for the 32nd Vilanova de Arousa Mussel and Cockle Festival will continue tomorrow at 10.00 am with the opening of the 22nd Bargain Fair. Around twenty shops from the Vilanova Centro association and neighbouring towns will be offering their stock at bargain prices.
The stalls will be located on Avenida de O Recheo. Opening hours until Sunday 9 August are from 10.00 am to 2.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 11.00 pm.
Friday’s programme will continue with the opening of the food marquee and an unmissable evening’s entertainment. The Panorama orchestra will perform in O Cabo Park at 11.00 pm. Admission is free.
Maritime procession
On Saturday, music will be provided by the duo Take it Easy at 1.30 pm in the Jardín Umbrío, and by the group Treixadura. The latter will perform at 10.00 pm in the Plaza de O Castro.
In the afternoon, the traditional maritime procession in honour of the Virgin of Carmen will take place. The procession will set off at around 7.00 pm from the Church of San Cipriano and then make its way along the estuary to the O Seixo Lighthouse, where a floral tribute will be laid in honour of the seafaring community.
Main Day
Sunday 9 August will be the main day of the 32nd Vilanova de Arousa Mussel and Cockle Festival. In addition to the Bargain Fair itself and the food marquee, the music will begin at 12.30 pm with a parade by the Mekánika Rolling Band brass band.
At 1.30 pm, the official opening address for this Festival of National Tourist Interest will take place in O Castro Square, along with the presentation of the Gold and Brilliant Badges. The celebrations will conclude with a performance by Roi Casal in the Jardín Umbrío from 9.00 pm.
Full details of the 32nd Vilanova de Arousa Mussel and Cockle Festival can be found on the website www.festadomexillon.com, as well as on the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages. This festival is made possible thanks to the support of the Xunta de Galicia, the Pontevedra Provincial Council and Abanca.
