This July, the small parish of Vilacoba in Abegondo will host the Romaría das Cereixas, offering visitors 300 kilos of free cherries, live music, and traditional pulpo. The event blends local gastronomy with the charm of Galicia’s countryside, just half an hour from A Coruña.
On July 4 and 5, the parish of Vilacoba in Abegondo will once again become the center of one of Galicia’s most distinctive rural celebrations: the Romaría das Cereixas. This annual festival, rooted in the local devotion to San Paio, is set to distribute around 300 kilos of free cherries to attendees, combining a taste of summer with the region’s enduring traditions.
The festivities begin on Saturday, July 4, with a solemn mass in honor of San Paio at 1:00 p.m. As evening falls, the Campo da Festa in Vilacoba will come alive with a lively verbena led by the duo Crazy, marking the start of a weekend filled with music and community spirit.
Sunday’s Main Event
Sunday, July 5, is the highlight of the festival. Early morning masses start at 9:00 a.m., followed by a main service at 1:00 p.m. accompanied by the Coro Santo Ángel. After the religious ceremonies, the focus shifts to the open-air session vermú, where visitors can enjoy the much-anticipated free cherry tasting. The musical lineup continues with performances from Punto Clave, the mobile disco Impacto, and DJ Nyan Boe, ensuring the celebration stretches well into the afternoon.
Alongside the cherries, the festival offers another Galician staple: freshly prepared pulpo. Food and drink stalls will be available throughout the day, creating an inviting atmosphere for families, friends, and visitors from across the province.
Tradition and Local Flavor
The Romaría das Cereixas has become a signature event for Vilacoba, drawing both locals and tourists with its blend of simple pleasures and rural hospitality. The tradition of giving away cherries—about 300 kilos each year—has helped cement the festival’s reputation as one of the sweetest gatherings in the area. The combination of food, music, and a relaxed countryside setting makes it a popular summer outing for those seeking an authentic Galician experience close to A Coruña.
Exploring Abegondo’s Surroundings
Beyond the festival, Vilacoba offers visitors a chance to discover some of Abegondo’s most notable landmarks. The Pazo de Vilacova, a manor house rebuilt in the 17th century, stands out for its distinctive balcony, coat of arms, and traditional stonework. Nearby, the Mero River and the historic Ponte de Beldoña in San Tirso de Mabegondo form part of the region’s civil heritage and are linked to the Camino Inglés pilgrimage route.
For those who prefer nature, the Beche reservoir is a local favorite, surrounded by scenic landscapes and offering convenient parking for visitors. These sites provide additional reasons to extend a visit to Vilacoba before or after the festival, making the Romaría das Cereixas not just a celebration, but a gateway to the rural beauty of Abegondo.
As reported by Talent24h, the Romaría das Cereixas continues to thrive by staying true to its roots, offering a genuine taste of Galician summer and a warm welcome to all who make the journey.
