La Reconquista

The city of Vigo's old town travels back in time to the 19th century one weekend every March: it's La Reconquista, Vigo's most characteristic celebration.
On the 28th of March, 1809, a popular uprising against the French invasion turned Vigo into the first town of Europe that managed to expel Napoleon's army. It had its reward: a year later, Fernando VII granted Vigo the title of "faithful, loyal and courageous" city.
This weekend, Vigo celebrates the Reconquest: its Old Town is transformed into a huge 19th century outdoor market for three days, where you'll find the locals fighting off the French in every corner. People dressed up as soldiers, fishermen and farmers roam the streets decorated in the fashion of the time... be ready for a trip to the past.
Local merchants offer their delicacies: crabs, mussels, empanadas (meat, fish or seafood pie) or churrasco, all washed down with local wines and traditional liquors. With the biggest and probably best fishmarket in the world, seafood lovers have the time of their life this weekend.
The weather is brilliant today making the party complete.
The following weekend Bouzas celebrates the Brincadeira, which commemorates the expulsion of the French from this old fishing village. And Bouzas happens to be the place where I live. So more fresh seafood tomorrow and next weekend!