A massive cruise arrival in A Coruña coincided with the aftermath of San Xoán. Tourists found beaches littered and city streets filled with cleaning crews. Many expressed surprise and disappointment at the scene.
The arrival of over 6,000 cruise passengers in A Coruña on Wednesday morning exposed a sharp contrast between the city’s festive traditions and the expectations of international visitors. As the MSC Virtuosa docked at the Trasatlánticos terminal, tourists stepping ashore were met not by postcard views, but by the lingering aftermath of the San Xoán celebrations: strong odors, scattered rubbish, and municipal cleaning teams working across beaches and central streets.
For many visitors, the timing was unexpected. Families from England, including Sharon and Barry from Cornwall and Becky’s group, described their surprise at the state of the city. They noted the persistent smell and visible piles of waste, with some remarking that such scenes would be unthinkable in their home country. The lack of open businesses in the early hours added to their frustration, especially for those hoping to enjoy the city’s cafes or revisit fond memories from previous visits.
Despite the initial shock, several tourists acknowledged the visible efforts of local cleaning crews. Within a few hours, much of the sand and public spaces had been cleared, and the situation improved noticeably. However, the first impression left a mark, with some visitors wishing they had been informed in advance about the festival and its impact on the city’s appearance and services.
In contrast, Spanish families who traveled specifically to experience San Xoán, such as Alejandro and Ana from Lugo, found the event lived up to their expectations. They spent the night on Riazor beach, joining thousands of locals in traditional celebrations with bonfires and picnics. Their only complaint was the heavy smoke from the fires, which made the air difficult to breathe at times. By the following morning, they were preparing to return home, satisfied with their experience.
San Xoán is one of Galicia’s most significant summer festivals, drawing large crowds to A Coruña’s beaches each year. The event is marked by bonfires, music, and gatherings that last through the night, often leaving behind considerable debris. Local authorities typically deploy extensive cleaning operations immediately after the festivities to restore public spaces. The overlap with cruise arrivals, however, can create an unusual challenge for the city’s image among international visitors. This year’s coincidence highlighted the tension between local tradition and the expectations of mass tourism, underscoring the importance of communication and logistics in managing major events in popular destinations.
