The Reconquest of Vigo
Recreate the Reconquest of Vigo
The city’s Old Town travels back in time to the 19th century one weekend every year: it’s La Reconquista, Vigo’s most characteristic celebration.
On the 28th of March, 1809, a popular uprising against the French invasion turned Vigo into the first town of Europe that managed to expel Napoleon's army. It had its reward: a year later, Fernando VII granted Vigo the title of "faithful, loyal and courageous" city.
Now, every year, Vigo celebrates the Reconquest: its Old Town is transformed into a huge 19th century outdoor market for three days, where you’ll find the locals fighting off the French in every corner. People dressed up as soldiers, fishermen and farmers roam the streets decorated in the fashion of the time... be ready for a trip to the past.
Local merchants will offer you their delicacies: crabs, mussels, empanadas (meat, fish or seafood pie) or churrasco, all washed down with local wines and traditional liquors. This great period celebration in Vigo continues late into the night with an unbeatable street atmosphere.
And if after the Reconquista you still feel like partying, the following weekend Bouzas celebrates the Brincadeira, which commemorates the expulsion of the French from this old fishing village.
The Reconquista, declared of National Tourist Interest, is Vigo’s most important festival, the most loved by its people and a unique opportunity to schedule a getaway to Vigo in the spring. This year it will take place from the 5th to the 7th of April 2024 and the most spectacular part are the street theatre representations recreating skirmishes between the French and the locals. The highlight of it all is the event in Gamboa Street, which simulates the demolition of the villa’s door.
