THE MOST IMPORTANT MUSIC FESTIVAL IN GALICIA
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MUSIC FESTIVAL IN GALICIA
Galicia is renowned for its vibrant music scene and hosts several music festivals throughout the year. These festivals attract both national and international artists, offering a wide variety of musical genres and creating a unique experience for participants.
The most important music festival in Galicia is held in Santiago de Compostela.
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THE "O SON DO CAMIÑO" FESTIVAL
Since 2018, thi music festival in Galicia has been held in the open air on Monte do Gozo, near Santiago de Compostela. From there you can see the most important panoramic view for pilgrims, the cathedral of Santiago, the final destination of the Camino.
Internationally renowned artists alternate with Galician artists with the aim of promoting the Galician image and the Way of St. James as a fundamental element of Galicia. The first two editions of the festival took place in 2018 and 2019. The 2020 edition had to be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it was not until 2022 that the third edition was held, making it the tenth Spanish festival with the highest number of attendees in 2022.
The fourth edition of the festival was held on 15 June 16 and 17 June 2023. The headliners of this edition are, among others, Bizarrap, Aitana, Maluma, Leiva, Duki and The Kooks.
O Son do Camiño can also offer other activities, such as food and drink areas, art and design spaces, and rest and entertainment areas. What makes the music festival in Galicia special is the atmosphere that Galician music and the beauty of the area create.
THE MONTE DO GOZO
The name “Monte do Gozo” means “Mount of Joy” in Spanish, because the pilgrims who came to this hill felt joy and gratitude when they approached the end of their journey and could see the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. on the horizon for the first time. Many of the pilgrims stop here to enjoy the view of the city, meditating on the pilgrimage experience before descending to Santiago de Compostela and completing their journey.
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GALICIAN MUSIC
In the region of Galicia there is a rich tradition and diversity of styles that reflect the cultural identity of Galicia, which as we know is a northeastern region with its own language and culture. Galician traditional music has its roots in Celtic culture, handed down from century to century. One of the most representative genres of Galician music is the bagpipe (similar to the Scottish bagpipe), played by the gaiteiros (bagpipers). It is considered the national instrument and is therefore used in festivals, processions and folk performances throughout the region. The bagpipe, the hurdy-gurdy (a fretted string instrument) and the tambourine (traditional tambourine) are other instruments of Galician music.
In addition to traditional music, Galicia offers a varied and vibrant contemporary music scene. That is why modern Galician music includes a variety of genres such as pop, rock, folk, indie and electronic music. There are also many Galician artists who have achieved national and international recognition on the music scene.
In Galicia, in addition to O Son do Camiño, there are also music festivals that promote Galician music and indigenous culture, such as the Celtic Festival in Ortigueira and the Festival do Mundo Celta in Ourense, which bring together Celtic musicians from all over the world.
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THE MUSIC LISTENED TO BY YOUNG GALICIANS
Young Galicians have varied musical tastes and usually listen to different genres and styles such as rock, punk, metal and reggae but pop and rock are the most listened to genres among young Galicians.
Electronic music has also become popular among Galicians over time. Techno, house and EDM (Electronic Dance Music) attract an important part of the Galician youth.
OTHER FESTIVALS IN GALICIA
In addition to O Son do Camiño, several fiestas and festivals are held in Galicia. Examples include:
Celtic Festival of Ortigueira: this event, one of the most important Celtic festivals in the world, is usually held in the town of Ortigueira, in the province of A Coruña. The festival offers a wide-ranging programme of traditional Celtic music and dance over several days in July, featuring local and international artists.
Festival do Mundo Celta de Ourense: this festival is held in the city of Ourense, with the participation of Celtic musicians and groups from different parts of the world, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Vigo International Jazz Festival : it is one of the main events for jazz fans in Galicia. In the city of Vigo for several days there are jazz concerts in different stages and symbolic places of the city of Vigo, with national and international artists.
Festival Internacional de la Ría de Vigo: this festival is also held in the city of Vigo, in front of which there are the marvellous Cies Islands and brings together a wide variety of musical genres, from pop and rock to electronic music and reggae. The festival includes live concerts, theatre and other cultural events.