From July 24 to 26, Corcubión will host the 24th edition of its celebrated Medieval Market, filling the historic town and waterfront with artisan stalls, live music, street performances and spectacular fire displays. The event promises a vibrant summer highlight for locals and visitors alike.
Corcubión is preparing for one of Galicia’s most anticipated summer events as its Medieval Market returns from July 24 to 26, bringing a packed schedule of performances, crafts and culinary experiences to the heart of the Costa da Morte. The historic town and its seafront will be transformed for three days, with more than 220 activities planned across streets, squares and the waterfront.
This year’s edition marks the 24th anniversary of the festival, which opens on Friday at 11:00. Visitors can expect a lively mix of artisan and food stalls, street theatre, live music and hands-on workshops. Eight animation troupes, six musical groups and six large-scale shows are set to perform, while fourteen artisan workshops will offer live demonstrations. Families will find a dedicated children’s area in Campo do Rollo, and the gardens of the Casa del Concello will host falconry displays and an atmospheric Arab souk.
Festival Highlights
Friday’s program begins with a children’s parade at 11:30, followed by the ceremonial raising of the banner and official opening at 13:00. The day’s centrepiece is the dramatic Desembarco reenactment at 20:00 on Recheo beach, recalling the 1457 clash between the forces of Archbishop Rodrigo de Luna and the Moscoso family. The evening closes with Deabru Beltzak’s fire drum spectacle at 23:30, before the market winds down at 00:30.
Saturday sees the market reopen at 11:00, with local actress Judith Fernández delivering the festival proclamation at 12:30. The church of San Marcos will host a series of concerts, and the night will feature a torchlit procession at 23:00, followed by the “Lendas de Sangue e Aceiro” fire show at 23:30.
On Sunday, the municipal theatre group will stage performances at 13:00 and 20:00. The festival’s grand finale, “Troula,” begins at 23:00, leading into the lowering of the banner and official closing at midnight.
Community Spirit and Local Flavor
Corcubión’s residents play a central role in the festivities, with over 500 locals and businesses from the town and surrounding area contributing to the event. Many dress in medieval-inspired costumes, adding to the immersive atmosphere. Fifty new banners, crafted by local seamstresses and volunteers, now decorate the town, which has been recognized as a Historic-Artistic Site since 1984. The market route offers visitors a chance to explore stately homes, religious buildings and the scenic waterfront, setting it apart from other medieval fairs in Galicia.
Early Events and Added Attractions
In the lead-up to the main festival, the inaugural Milla Medieval footrace will take place on Wednesday, July 22 at 20:30, with a 1,540-meter course winding through the old town. All 100 race spots have already been filled. Meanwhile, the old jail is hosting a Playmobil exhibition recreating the Desembarco scene, open until August 17 with extended hours during the market weekend.
Corcubión’s Medieval Market is part of a broader trend of local festivals revitalizing Spanish towns through culture and gastronomy. Similar to how culinary events like the opening of Las Tartas de Julita’s new store in Alicante have drawn crowds with unique experiences and local flavor, Corcubión’s celebration blends tradition, community and spectacle to create a standout summer destination. Read about another recent event bringing people together through food and festivities.
With its combination of history, sea views and vibrant programming, the Medieval Market continues to be a defining moment for Corcubión and the wider Costa da Morte each summer.
