‘The Festival of Virgen de la Barca is a feeling… It cannot be explained in words.’ This is how many Muxians describe their devotion to one of the best-known pilgrimages in Galicia. And no wonder, since this year’s event broke popularity records on a big day that stood out for its international character.
From early in the morning, pilgrims from different places came to Muxía to experience that ‘Muxian feeling’: the magic of the Santuario de la Barca, the stones that surround it and its incredible natural environment. A magic that also allowed the town to become a meteorological oasis with a peaceful day, contrasting with the rain that fell in other neighbouring municipalities.
Even so, devotion to the Virgin of La Barca once again broke attendance records, surpassing previous years’ figures, at an outdoor Mass—sung by the Muxía Polyphonic Choir—which brought this unique tradition of the Galician fishing village to a large audience. The Dean of the S.A.M.I. Cathedral of Santiago, Manuel Jesús Formoso Fernández, presided over the Eucharist together with the parish priest, Daniel Turnes Rey. The latter thanked the entire neighbourhood and the volunteers who had come from different parts of Spain for their involvement in organising this event, which was a great success.
New features in the fireworks display
After the outdoor Mass, members of the Muxía Civil Protection Service carried the original 15th-century statue of the Virgin of the Boat to the town’s pier. The procession was accompanied by the Jesús Nazareno de Ferrol band and more than a thousand people who walked through the streets of the capital of Muxía.
The procession reached one side of the fish market, where one of the most eagerly awaited and emotional moments of the day took place: the largest fireworks display in Galicia. ‘On this occasion, as a novelty, we had more powerful and colourful fireworks, launching the first fireworks from two boats instead of one, as had been done previously,’ explains Ramón Pérez Barrientos, president of the Cultural Association of the Romería de la Barca de Muxía, organiser of the festive programme.
Once the fireworks display was over, Daniel Turnes proceeded with the traditional blessing of the boat, raising the image of the Virgin before the excited gaze of the public. The sound of the ships’ sirens and the intense cheers brought this event to a close, giving way to a new procession of the image of the Virgin, which was placed in the Parish Church of Muxía, this being the only night it spends outside the Sanctuary of the Barca.
Meanwhile, on the pier, the macro vermouth session began with Acordes y Galaxia, who will perform again in the evening alongside the Los Satélites orchestra.
Monday “de la Barca”, the neighbourhood day
Monday “de la Barca” is characterised by the participation of the people of Muxía. At the Sanctuary, there will be Masses at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The main event of the day will be the procession from the Parish Church to the Sanctuary at 12.30 p.m. Once the image of the Saint has returned to the temple, a solemn Mass will be held, presided over by the parish priest.
At the same time, there will be a street party with music by the M-3 Show orchestra. The grand finale to Muxía’s biggest celebrations will be provided by international singer Soraya Arnelas with a concert starting at 11.30 pm on the Malecón.
All the information about the celebration can be found on the event’s website https://romeriadabarcademuxia.com/ and on its Facebook and Instagram profiles.