THE OS CANEIROS FESTIVAL

We cross the Puente Viejo Bridge over the river Mandeo in order to access Betanzos city. From here, on the 18th (the big day) and the 26th of August, the people go up river on boats to do the Gira a los Caneiros. Los Caneiros, the name of a type of river fishing, is a field by the river Mandeo, just outside the municipality of Betanzos, and it is the final place in which the river is navigable.

On these August dates, Betanzos celebrates its patronal festivals and the Gira  forms part of this summer festival cycle.

The people go up the river in decorated boats in order to spend the afternoon with the family or friends. An afternoon meal can be eaten in the field or on the boat with a table and long benches. Throughout the afternoon the bagpipes are played. The return to the city is then done at night.

This festival finds its origins at the end of the 19th century. Originally, it was a species of dinner party and the people dressed with elegance. Later, it evolved into something less formal and lately youngsters are in abundance. It was very popular amongst the people of the city of A Coruña in the first half of the 20th century, from which trains would carry people to the festival. The writer Emilia Pardo Bazán went to the Os Caneiros.