Every year, Ortigueira, a town in the province of A Coruña in the autonomous community of Galicia, holds one of the biggest and most popular festivals of folk music in the world called Ortigueira's Festival of the Celtic World (Festival Internacional do Mundo Celta de Ortigueira). This open-air event gathers thousands of visitors.
Artist Lineup
Folk music of various styles, as well as traditional Celtic rhythms, are played at different stages. Ortigueira's Festival of Celtic World features artists like Ailá and Escola de Gaitas de Ortigueira from Galicia, Azore from Brittany, Backwest from Ireland, Bagad Brieg from Brittany, Capercaillie from Scotland, Cúig and Dervish from Ireland, Fillas de Cassandra from Galicia, Green Lads from Brittany, Kinnaris Quintet from Scotland, Muro Kvartet from Aragon, Nogood Boyo from Wales, and Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band from Scotland.
Activities
The pipe bands perform every afternoon outside the Town Hall, and the traditional parade through the streets takes place on Sunday. Street performers can be found at every corner, filling the streets with lively entertainment. There are photo exhibitions, dance events, and art performances during the festivities.
Locations
The various activities programmed as part of the Ortigueira Festival take place at various sites: Alameda Stage, which is the venue for the Festival’s major concerts; La Beneficencia Theatre, where some of the parallel activities to the musical performances are hosted; and the Town Hall and Morouzos Beach.
History of the Festival
Originating as a small artisanal gathering in 1978, it has transformed into a major cultural industry with a wide musical range, including Celtic and alternative genres. Recognized as a Festival of National Tourist Interest and later of International Tourist Interest, Ortigueira's popularity and its role in promoting Galicia and Spain abroad contribute to its prestigious status. With around 100,000 attendees per edition, it remains an unmissable highlight on the folk music scene and a testament to community collaboration and dedication. The festival takes place in late July or early August, as it usually falls on Saint Martha of Ortigueira's Day, honoring the town's saint.
