The Ministry of Industry and Tourism, through the State Secretariat of Tourism, has officially granted the category of National Tourist Interest Festival to the ‘Festa do Mexillón e o Berberecho’ —’Mussel and cockle gastronomic festival’— of Vilanova de Arousa, in Pontevedra.
This recognition highlights not only its social relevance and historical trajectory but also its uniqueness and its crucial role in the tourist, cultural, and gastronomic promotion of Spain.
Since its creation in 1994, this festival has experienced remarkable growth, consolidating itself as one of the main gastronomic events in Galicia and a showcase of the seafood products from the ría de Arousa. Held every year on the second weekend of August, the ‘Festa do Mexillón e o Berberecho’ attracts thousands of visitors with a program that combines the exaltation of gastronomy with various cultural, musical, and sporting activities. In its latest edition, more than 15,000 people attended, highlighting the success of its gastronomic tent that hosted over 5,000 diners.
The State Secretary of Tourism, Rosario Sánchez, has emphasized the connection of this celebration with the identity and history of Vilanova de Arousa, a municipality deeply linked to the sea and fishing activity. The festival not only pays tribute to the work of generations of professionals in the sector but also promotes sustainability and economic development linked to tourism. With this new distinction, Galicia adds a total of 13 National Tourist Interest Festivals, reinforcing its appeal as a tourist destination.