In addition to the religious component, the festival is also experienced in the streets, squares, bars and in the port, where the atmosphere is lively from Friday and Saturday morning until late Sunday night. San Vicente is filled with music, colour, sport, gastronomy and gatherings between residents and visitors.
The programme features events designed for all tastes and all kinds of people. While some people enjoy the pilgrimage and the musical performances, others can take the opportunity to participate in sports activities or to come and see the fishing competition. And of course, there is always time to savour the local gastronomy or enjoy a pleasant stroll around the town.
- Pilgrimage and open-air dance
- Fishing competition
- Musical performances and parades
Pilgrimage and open-air dance
Two of the most important celebrations in La Folía are the pilgrimage and the verbena. During Saturday afternoon and Sunday night, the squares and the port are filled with families, young people, visitors and residents, who come together to share traditional Cantabrian music, food and folk dance.
Fishing competition
The casting competition is a direct tribute to the seafaring tradition of San Vicente de la Barquera. Known as “lance de pesca” in Spanish, it refers to the technique of casting the hook or lure into the water using a rod and reel. It basically consists of projecting the tackle as far and accurately as possible to reach areas where there are fish.
It has been held for many years and is organized by El Puentucu Fishing Club.
Musical performances and parades
Musical performances complete the programme of La Folía. Throughout the weekend, traditional music concerts are combined with more modern styles, which attract very different audiences well into the early hours of the morning.
The parades also help to liven up the festival, especially for the little ones. Groups of bagpipes, tambourines, brass bands and associations tour the historic centre and the port area, accompanying locals and visitors from morning to evening. In some cases, improvised performances are even held in bars and terraces.
