Trades and Traditions
The living memory of Betanzos through its guilds, festivals and popular culture
San Roque Patron Saint Festivities
The San Roque festivities originated in the early 15th century following plague epidemics and the devotion to Saint Roch. Key traditions include the paper balloon launch and the Os Caneiros river outing, both dating from the 19th century.
Museo das Mariñas
Extensive ethnographic collection of traditional costumes, photography and history.
Guild Dances
Ancient medieval guild dances of Betanzos, such as the sailors’ arch dance and the farmers’ dance, preserving traditional attire.
San Roque Balloon
The world’s largest paper balloon rises every 16 August in honour of Betanzos’ patron saint, San Roque.
Monthly Fairs
San Roque Patron Saint Festivities
Medieval Feira Franca
Caraña Mills
A Acea and Roibeira Mills
Hórreo da Rúa Nova
This 18th-century urban granary is privately owned and recalls the ancient Orreum mentioned in Betanzos’ foundation charter of 1219.
A Galera Granaries
Group of five Mariñán-type granaries by the Mendo River, recalling the former maize-drying area since the 17th century.
Port of Betanzos
The medieval port of Betanzos has not been preserved, but quays and promenade areas remain.
Fountain of the Angels
Historic fountain documented since 1613 and rebuilt in 1834, bearing the coats of arms of the city and Archdeacon Pedro de Ben.
Fonte da Cangrexeira
Fountain cited in documents from 1633, also known as the San Gregorio Fountain, linked to the port and the Magdalena district.
Diana the Huntress Fountain
Monumental fountain inaugurated in 1867, a replica of the Diana of the Louvre and one of Betanzos’ most recognisable urban symbols.
Picachá Fountain
Neoclassical fountain from 1911, designed by Francisco Javier Martínez Santiso, decorated with semicols, coats of arms and marine figures.
Free Public Washhouse
Public washhouse inaugurated in 1902 by the García Naveira brothers, with two levels and capacity for more than twenty washerwomen according to the tides.
Betanzos Omelette
Mariñán-style houses of Fonte de Unta, A Cañota and Rúa Quiroga
Traditional agricultural neighbourhood of Fonte de Unta, characterised by arcades and wooden balconies used as urban granaries.
Magdalena Sweet Bread
Traditionally enjoyed on Easter Monday or Magdalena Monday, this dish resembles a savoury pie.
Betanzos Cabbage
“Rice with peas, new potatoes, Betanzos cabbage and onions.” The popular Galician song refers to this local garden product.