‘It’s not just about celebration here. There is faith, culture, seafaring tradition, hospitality and, above all, heart.’ That is how the players of CF Muxía described the Romería de la Virgen de la Barca yesterday, at the official opening of the biggest festivities in the town of Costa da Morte, which showed off its pride in its football academy and its status as a welcoming, magical town full of attractions for visitors.
The Muxía councillor, Javier Sar, acted as master of ceremonies for this event, presided over by the director of the Galician Tourism Agency, Xosé Manuel Merelles, and in which the members of the Cultural Association of the Romería de la Barca de Muxía – headed by Ramón Pérez Barrientos – and the Councillor for Culture, Sandra Vilela, also participated. In his speech, the mayor praised the achievements of CF Muxía over the last year. This was one of the reasons why the club was assigned the task of announcing this year’s festival.
In line with this, the club’s president, Juan José Busto, recalled that ‘on 8 June, our senior men’s and women’s teams made history in Muxía, reaching the final of the Costa Cup, no less than 59 years later’. They thanked the Virgin of the Barca for this milestone by making a floral offering.
Busto also dedicated a few words to the youth of Muxía, because “they are the present and the future of our town. You are the energy that fills the streets with joy and the football fields with excitement. Your effort, your creativity and your unity keep the spirit of Muxía alive and ensure that these festivities continue to shine from generation to generation,” he concluded to the applause and cheers of the hundreds of people who had gathered at the Malecón to attend the proclamation.
The players of CF Muxía then took the floor to praise the integrative power of the town in general, and the Romería de la Barca in particular. ‘In terms of unity, like our club,’ they said, expressing their hope that ‘we will never lack the joy of these festivities or the strength of our people, and that Muxía will continue to shine with the same passion that we bring to the pitch every Sunday.’
A highlight on the festive calendar
Xosé Manuel Merelles closed the event by reminding attendees that the Romería de la Virgen de la Barca has been a Festival of National Tourist Interest for almost four decades, offering numerous ‘attractions and resources to enchant visitors. In fact, the Santuario de la Barca is considered one of Galicia’s magical places,’ he said.
In this regard, and with the aim of raising awareness of the celebration beyond Spain’s borders, Merelles assured that the event has “sufficient merits to be declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, as it is a benchmark in the Galician festival calendar for many reasons: it represents the identity of Galicia, combining beautiful natural landscapes, history, archaeology, culture, the sea, religiosity, music and festivities”.
Furthermore, as the end point of the Camino de Santiago, ‘Muxía represents the culture of St James, defined by solidarity, respect, humility, tolerance and empathy. Meeting places such as this are destined to play an increasingly important role,’ he said, wishing all the residents and visitors who had enjoyed these festive days well.
After the proclamation, the night-time festival began, led by the Kubo Orchestra. Despite the intermittent rain that fell during the night, the hundreds of people in attendance did not want to miss out on the musical performance by this group, which continued with a session led by Disco Móvil CDC.
Today’s programme
This morning’s fireworks display marks the start of the second day of festivities in Muxía, along with a parade of cabezudos (big-heads), pipers and brass bands through the streets of Muxía. There will be other performances, such as the Ponteceso Music Band and other musical groups that will liven up the atmosphere in the town. Meanwhile, at the Santuario de la Barca, Masses will be held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. (sung), 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The entertainment will be provided by the Alianza orchestra, which will perform during the afternoon session, and the París de Noia orchestra, which will perform in the evening, together with the Alianza orchestra. The highlight will be the grand fireworks display from the pier, which will begin at 12.30 a.m.
All the information about the celebration can be found on the event’s website https://romeriadabarcademuxia.com/ and on their Facebook and Instagram profiles.