Viking Festival of Catoira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Viking Festival of Catoira |
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| Date(s) | First Sunday of August |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Venue | Torres de Oeste |
| Location(s) | Catoira (Pontevedra), Spain |
| Inaugurated | 1961 |
| Fiesta of International Tourist Interest | |
| Designated | 2002 |
The Viking Festival of Catoira (in Galician: Romaría viquinga de Catoira) is a fun annual festival held in Catoira, Spain. It takes place every first Sunday in August. The festival happens near the old fortress called Torres de Oeste (West Towers). It celebrates Catoira's brave history of defending Galicia from Vikings. It also re-enacts the Viking attacks that happened there about a thousand years ago. The festival was recognized as a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest in 2002.
Contents
Festival History and Origins
The Viking Festival of Catoira has been celebrated since 1961. The idea for the festival came from a group of local thinkers. This group was called the Ateneo de Ullán. It was started in 1959 by two poets, Faustino Rey Romero and Baldomero Isorna Casal.
The First Viking Festival
In 1960, the Ateneo de Ullán decided to create a festival. They wanted to remember the landing of Viking King Olaf. The very first festival took place on July 29, 1961. It began with a special mass at the old Castellum Honesti fortress chapel. This mass honored Diego Xelmírez and others who defended the fortress long ago.
During this first event, a man named Pedro Montañés played the part of the Viking leader Ulfo. He wore branches on his head to look fearsome. He jumped from his small dorna boat onto the land. There, he met Bishop Cresconio, played by Priest Romero. The priest used only words to make the "Viking" kneel down. This showed how Christianity was stronger than the invaders.
Afterward, everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch. Bagpipes played traditional music. Local writers also shared their works. The way the festival is announced today is inspired by these first events. At night, bonfires called cacharelas are lit on the towers. This remembers how people warned of Viking ships arriving in the past.
Festival Growth and Recognition
From 1965 to 1990, the festival grew steadily. A local ceramics company helped organize it. In 1988, the festival was declared a National Tourist Interest. This meant it was a very important event for tourism in Spain.
The festival became even bigger starting in 1991. The local council of Catoira took charge. They even made a special connection with Frederikssund, a village in Denmark. This helped the festival become known around the world. In 2002, it was officially named a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.
What Happens at the Festival
During the festival, people from Catoira dress up in old-fashioned clothes. They act out exciting battles. The day starts at 10 in the morning. Traditional Galician music fills the streets of the town.
The Viking Landing Re-enactment
The main part of the festival happens near the old towers by the Ulla River. The most exciting moment is the "disembarkation." Locals dressed as fierce Viking warriors arrive in a replica of an 11th-century Viking ship. They try to "take over" the towers. Other participants dress as villagers. They try to fight off the "invaders." It's a fun and dramatic show!
Food, Music, and Dance
After the re-enactment, everyone enjoys a traditional lunch. You can find tasty sardines, mussels, and empanada (a type of savory pastry). Bagpipes continue to play lively music in the background. The party ends with a verbena. This is a traditional Galician dance party where everyone can join in the fun.
See also
In Spanish: Romería vikinga de Catoira para niños
