Festa do Pulpo de O Carballiño

The Festa do Pulpo turns O Carballiño into the great meeting point for Galician pulpeiras and pulpeiros. This gastronomic pilgrimage brings together tens of thousands of people around octopus á feira, Cea bread, empanadas, meat and Ribeiro wine, but its meaning goes beyond a tasting: it celebrates a craft passed down for generations and the historical relationship of the region with this seafood product.

Usual date and duration

The main day is celebrated on second sunday of august. During the previous weeks and days, cultural, musical and gastronomic activities are usually organised, but their programme changes every year. The holiday does not in itself constitute a general public holiday.

O Carballiño Municipal Park

The great pilgrimage takes place in the Municipal Park, an extensive wooded area next to the Arenteiro River. Families, groups and visitors gather at their tables and spaces while the pulpeiras cook the octopus in copper kettles and prepare the portions. Access, traffic, stalls and authorized areas are regulated for each edition due to the large influx.

Origin in Oseira and Santa María de Arcos

The Council relates this tradition to the monastery of Oseira, which for centuries received sea products as payment for rent and promoted their commercialization in the interior of Galicia. The Carballiñesa parish of Santa María de Arcos remained closely linked to the trade: many of its families specialized in cooking and serving octopus and extended their work to fairs throughout Galicia.

The modern festival was born in 1962 from a celebration promoted in O Carballiño and grew to become one of the most massive gastronomic pilgrimages in the country.

The office of pulpeira and pulpeiro

Preparation is done in public view. The octopus is cooked in large cauldrons, cut with scissors on wooden plates and seasoned with salt, oil and paprika. Knowledge of the cooking point, the cut and the rhythm of service is part of an artisanal profession especially associated with the families of Arcos.

Events and atmosphere of the pilgrimage

Opening of stalls and octopus á feira service in the Municipal Park.
Meals for groups and families, accompanied by products from the region.
Bagpipe music, brass bands, parades and folk performances.
Actividades gastronómicas previas, como exhibiciones, concursos y degustaciones.
Participation of territories or invited entities, which vary in each edition.

Organisation and international recognition

The Concello de O Carballiño organises the festival with the essential participation of pulpeiras and pulpeiros, associations, hospitality, producers, institutions and public services. After national recognition, the celebration obtained the declaration of Festival of International Tourist Interest.