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!

In this blog you will find precisely everything you really need to enjoy it, before, during and after the festival. From the full programme to advice on where to stay, what to eat, how to get around the town and, of course, how to understand all the events and traditions that take place when the big day arrives.

What will you find on La Folía’s blog?

In our blog, we not only tell you everything about the festival, but we also give you tips to enjoy it even more. All the useful information in one place.

What happens on Saturday? What happens on Sunday? What time does the maritime procession start? What are the moments you can’t miss?

What is La Folía in San Vicente de la Barquera like?

The festival revolves around devotion to Our Lady of La Barquera, patron saint of sailors. A celebration in which the whole town is involved. The highlight is usually the maritime procession. In our blog, we will explain how it is organized, when the movement in the port begins, how Our Lady embarks and why dozens of boats accompany her.

Where to stay during La Folia

We will also give you advice on accommodation. During these days, San Vicente de la Barquera gets quite crowded, so it is important to book in advance.

In our blog, you will find recommendations on the most convenient areas to sleep near the port, options in nearby towns and what type of accommodation fits best depending on whether you are traveling as a couple, as a family or in a group.

What to eat at La Folía: a taste of the sea in every dish

Another of the great attractions of the area is its food. And during La Folía, even more so. In our blog you will also find gastronomic recommendations: what to order, where to eat and which dishes you should not miss.

We will talk about its delicious seafood cuisine, its typical products and those dishes that are part of the identity of Cantabria, such as Sorropotún, the official gastronomic product of San Vicente.

Practical tips to make the most of the festival

We want you to come and experience La Folía without stress or surprises. Therefore, in addition to the programme and cultural activities, you can find very practical recommendations:

• What time to arrive at the port to see the procession well
• Which areas have the best visibility
• How to get around town on busy days

Enjoy an unforgettable experience in San Vicente de la Barquera!

Let yourself be enveloped by the magic of the Bay of Biscay, the joy of its people and the seafaring essence that defines this town. Discover the culture, the devotion to Our Lady of La Barquera and the festive atmosphere that floods every corner.

Experience the music, the singing, the local gastronomy and the charm of a landscape that you will remember for a lifetime!