La Folía is one of the most anticipated festivals of the whole year in San Vicente de la Barquera, but also a way of understanding life. A celebration in which everything revolves around the sea and the Our Lady of La Barquera, considered the Patron Saint of Sailors.
During these days, the town is transformed and filled with entertainment. Decorated streets, the smell of tradition and music all day long. But in addition, San Vicente has a privileged location to enjoy well-known routes such as the Northern Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) or the Camino Lebaniego, and unique nature sites such as Oyambre Nature Park or the surroundings of the Saja Nansa region, which makes it a highly varied destination.
1. The Holy Saturday procession
Although it is one of the festival’s most sobre moments, it is also one of the most emotional. On Holy Saturday, in the middle of Easter, before the Resurrection, the image of Our Lady of La Barquera, dressed in a mourning mantle, is taken from her Sanctuary of La Barquera, at the entrance to the port of San Vicente de la Barquera, to the Chapel of Las Hijas de Cristo Jey, in the so-called Procession of the Torches. accompanied by residents and visitors in an atmosphere of meditation.
2. The Mass and the preparation of the grand “Foliero Sunday”
A week or two later, depending on the calendar of the tides, “Foliero Sunday” begins with a solemn mass in the Church of Santa María de los Ángeles, where the people, tourists and authorities gather before the big event.
Afterwards, the streets of the town are filled with excitement and movement with traditional Cantabrian music. It is the prelude to the great event of the day, when the Patron Saint of Sailors is taken back to the sea.
3. The maritime procession: the heart of La Folía
This is, without a doubt, the most anticipated moment, when the party reaches its maximum expression. Without a doubt, one of the most impressive maritime processions in the north of the peninsula.
From five in the afternoon, the image of Our Lady of La Barquera is carried from the parish church to the port by the Brotherhood of Our Lady, wandering through the Old Town. Meanwhile, the bells are ringing and the residents walk towards the sea, in the midst of applauses and traditional songs.
Once at the pier, Our Lady is placed on a fishing boat of the Fishermen’s Guild adorned with flags. The scene is spectacular: dozens of ships accompany her while the sound of firecrackers, horns and salutes fills the air.
4. The “Picayas” and traditional songs
One of the moments that most often surprises visitors is that of the “Picayas”. It is a traditional figure of this festival, represented by groups of girls dressed in navy blue and white – featuring the sailors’ gala uniform – who accompany the procession with the traditional songs or picayos and their tambourines decorated in blue and white, the official colours of the festival and of San Vicente, as far as the Avenida de los Soportales, before embarking, when they perform before Our Lady.
5. Seafood gastronomy and festive atmosphere
Local gastronomy also occupies a leading place within the festival. You can’t miss trying dishes such as Sorropotún, the area’s typical seafood stew, or fresh fish from the Bay of Biscay, while enjoying the nightlife in the Plaza Mayor del Fuero.
Enjoy an unforgettable experience at the La Folía festival!
There are trips that are remembered and others that are experienced. La Folía is not just another festival. The sound of the sea, the devotion of the locals and the soul of Cantabria create an atmosphere that can hardly be explained in words. Everything is authentic. That is why those who live it, never forget it.
All this featuring the spectacular surroundings of Oyambre Nature Park, a place where you can enjoy that feeling of calm that is only found in certain corners of the north.
Therefore, our recommendation is that you do not just come to see it, come and be part of it and experience it from the inside!