International Descent of the Sella and Canoe Festival

Celebration date

It is celebrated on first Saturday in August after day 2. The festive activity also occupies nearby days, but the central date is determined by this rule and can vary from one year to the next.

View the official programme of the International Descent of the Sella 2026.

The Piragua Festival is not in itself a general public holiday in Asturias; Any non-working day depends on the official calendar and the local holidays approved for each council.

De Arriondas a Ribadesella

The exit is installed under the Arriondas/Les Arriondes bridge, in the municipality of Parres. The competition runs approximately 20 kilometers along the Sella to the Ribadesella/Ribeseya bridge. The sporting goal and the reception of the participants are completed with the country celebration in the Campos de Oba, in Lloviu.

The public follows the race from the banks, the river train and different points along the route. The large influx makes it advisable to consult the official transportation, traffic and security plans each edition.

Origin and history

The story is born from the river excursions of Dionisio de la Huerta. In 1929 he traveled along the Piloña between Coya and Infiesto; Then he promoted new descents and in 1931 he reached Ribadesella. In 1932 the start was set in Arriondas and the finish line in Ribadesella and the first competitive edition was held, with thirteen paddlers.

The test was interrupted between 1936 and 1943 and returned in 1944. In 1951 it acquired an international character by incorporating foreign participants for the first time. From those sporting initiatives, a festival grew with its own symbols and ceremonies.

Acts and traditions

• Previous parade through Arriondas with bagpipe bands, charangas, folk groups and riverside associations.
• Proclamation in verse from the bridge and collective singing of "Asturias, beloved homeland" before departure.
• Simultaneous opening of the canoe traps at noon.
• Decked out river train, which accompanies the descent along the left bank.
• Festive caravan and public cheering from roads, bridges and banks.
• Picnic lunch and awards ceremony in Campos de Oba.
• Flower necklaces, flags, giants and big heads incorporated into the historical iconography of the festival.

Competition and popular festival

The core of the event is a regulated international competition reserved for registered paddlers with a license. The popular festival is experienced by thousands of spectators who accompany the test and participate in the pilgrimage. The recreational canoe descent offered by active tourism companies is a different activity and should not be confused with the official race.

Tourist recognition and organisation

The Canoe Festival is declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest. The Organizing Committee of the International Descent of the Sella (CODIS) and the Royal Spanish Canoeing Federation organise the competition, with the collaboration of administrations and entities from the riverside councils.

Sources

• Asturias Tourism: date, route and recognition of the Piragua Festival.
• CODIS: history of the International Descent of the Sella.
• CODIS: traditions of the Piragua Festival.