Vintage Holiday Blog

In our quest to bring you villas in areas of cultural interest around Europe we feel it only proper to share a little more information about how some of the ancient cultures were formed and still survive today. All of our villas are in areas of cultural interest, perhaps even more so with Galicia in Spain… a fascinating place that offers something of cultural interest at every turn.

We have to start by saying that Galicia’s culture is unique to the rest of Spain’s in that it was founded on a Celtic rather than Latino or Hispanic belief and society. You’ll typically find no Flamenco dancers of sombrero hats here I’m afraid and in their place you’ll rather bizarrely find bagpipes and a more dour style which perhaps represents the cooler weather, tougher lifestyle and economic strife that Galicia has suffered in the past.

Map of Galicia

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Apart from some of the World’s finest wines, jaw dropping views and extremely pleasant locals Galicia is perhaps best known for its gastronomic treasures.

There are three main gastronomic fiestas to be aware of in Galicia, here’s a overview of each:

Festa da Istoria in Ribadavia (the last weekend in August 27, 28 & 29 2010).

This is one of our favourite festivals… the entire town is transformed into a genuine medieval town and this doesn’t stop at locals dress! Expect lots of atmosphere thanks to the various activities that take place over the three day period including; falconry, minstrals, jousting, basket making and lot’s of delicious pigs on spits! Costumes can be hired around the town. More information here http://www.festadaistoria.com.

Festa da Istoria in Ribadavia

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For those of you who don’t know, Galicia is a haven for fine Spanish wins. The air, temperature, soils and altitudes are responsible for growing some of the finest grapes in the World. Lucky for you we have a wide selection of luxury private villas with pools around Galicia so you can come and experience this incredible environment for yourself with ease.

If asked to describe the local wines, we would say they are young, light, perhaps slightly acidic and bursting with fruity and floral aromas. The whites are the best (in our eyes) and we’d definitely recommend those made from the Torrontés, Loureira, Godello, Albariño and Treixadura (known as the “king” of Ribeiro wine) grape varieties

Galicia is also famous for its shell fish, which we’d have to agree is some of the finest in Spain. The combination of a fine white Robeiro wine and locally caught seafood is absolutely heavenly and something we’re sure will leave a lasting impression.

Explore the Ribeiro Wine Route

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2010 is the official Ano Jacobeo, otherwise known as the Holy Year in Galicia. This year the celebrations take place on Sunday 25 July in Galicia and it’s set to be a popular one! 

The famous Puerta Santa

The history of Ano Jacobeo is that it is celebrated each year that the feast of the Apostle James (25 July) falls on a Sunday.  St James is the patron of Spain and his feast day falls on a Sunday 14 times every century, giving rise to 14 Holy Years. 

On the eve of each Holy Year, on 31 December, the Puerta Santa (Holy Door) of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is opened and remains open throughout the Holy Year.  A year later, it is walled up again.  It is therefore an incredibly  important year for pilgrims to visit the city. 

2010 is the second Holy Year in the 21st Century to be held

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