The historic neighborhood returns to the 19th century one weekend a year: it is the feast of La Reconquista, the most emblematic celebration of Vigo.

On March 28, 1809, a popular uprising managed to expel the French and turned Vigo into the first town in Europe that managed to expel Napoleon’s army from a conquered square. He was rewarded: a year later, Ferdinand VII granted Vigo the title of “faithful, loyal and courageous” city.

Now, every year, Vigo celebrates its Reconquest: its historic area becomes a huge 19th century open-air market, where at any corner you find the French fighting against the Vigueans. People dressed as soldiers, fishermen and peasants, the streets decorated in period costumes… It’s like a trip back in time.

Local merchants will sell you delicious delicacies, from crabs and mussels to empanadas or churrasco, accompanied by local wines and traditional liquors . This great Vigo festival continues late into the night, with an unbeatable street atmosphere.

And if after the Reconquest you still feel like partying in Vigo, the following weekend Bouzas celebrates the Brincadeira, which commemorates the expulsion of the French from the old fishing village.