Reconquest of Vigo
From the battle to the party
The historical re-enactment invades the city's Old Quarter
Fishermen and fishermen, peasants, craftsmen and craftswomen, soldiers and other characters from the period walk through Vigo's historic quarter during the first weekend after every 28th March. The city is immersed in the Festival of the Reconquest, which commemorates the expulsion of the French army at the hands of the people two centuries ago.
Vigo returns to March 1809 during the Reconquest weekend, but the armed siege of those dates is now a massive festival. The old part of the city, which after the deed received the title of "faithful, loyal and courageous", becomes a huge open-air market with hundreds of people dressed in period costumes. The spirit of that deed permeates the atmosphere as thousands of people enjoy themselves in the street stalls, bars, restaurants, taperías and terraces.
The revolt is dramatised in different areas of the old town until the expulsion of Napoleon's army, which flees by boat in the face of the siege of the town.
The Reconquest is a chapter that has deeply marked Vigo's identity, but the festival, promoted by the Association of Neighbours of the Old Town, was born just two decades ago. In this time it has become an essential event, thanks to the involvement of all the neighbours, the massive participation in the recreation of historical events and the lively atmosphere in Casco Vello.
The festival recreates the expulsion of Napoleon's army during the War of Independence. The Gallic soldiers took the square on 31st January and it was placed under the command of commander Chalot. The spirit of the Reconquest soon took hold in Vigo and, just 57 days later, the siege of the walled town came to an end thanks to the intense mobilisation of the people of Vigo. Characters such as Cachamuíña, Carolo, Aurora, the then mayor, Vázquez Varela, and Captain Almeida are much loved by the people of Vigo, who every year take part in the celebrations to commemorate that victory.
The historical re-enactment starts with the dismissal of the Municipal Corporation in O Berbés square and closes with the performance at A Porta do Sol, a true spectacle in motion from the beginning at the gate of A Gamboa to the final expulsion of the French army in the Náutico area.
The following weekend, the celebrations continue with the Festa da Brincadeira de Bouzas, also with a market and craft demonstrations, in this place that at that time was independent from Vigo and played an important role in the expulsion of Napoleon's army.
