The Pontevedra town of Marín is preparing for the 15th edition of the Festa Corsaria, which will take place on August 14 and 15. The Concello hopes to surpass the record of attendees and has opened the application period for street tables.
Marín is finalising preparations for its most emblematic summer event, the Festa Corsaria, which this year reaches its fifteenth edition. The event, which recreates the battle of 1800 between the corsair Gago de Mendoza and the English troops in Aguete, will transform the urban centre into a 19th-century stage on August 14 and 15. Mayor María Ramallo, accompanied by councillors Marián Sanmartín, Mónica Viqueira, and Itziar Álvarez, presented the official poster on Wednesday, anticipating a record turnout compared to previous years.
The Festa Corsaria has established itself as one of the major tourist attractions of the Galician summer, boosting commercial, hospitality, and cultural activity in the municipality. The Concello expects massive attendance, similar to that of 2023, when record participation figures were achieved. The historical recreation includes music, gastronomy, and a corsair atmosphere that fills the streets of Marín for two days.
Coinciding with the poster presentation, the City Council has opened the application period for authorisation to set up street tables, both for individuals and hospitality establishments. Applications can be submitted from July 27 to August 7, either through the electronic headquarters or in person at the municipal registry, from 09:00 to 14:00 hours. Last year, 60 applications were recorded, a record that is expected to be surpassed.
Applicants must provide a sketch or photographs of the space they wish to occupy and commit to complying with municipal regulations. Among the requirements is the integration of tables, terraces, and decorative elements in the historical aesthetics of the festival, as well as clothing appropriate to the represented era. Safety aspects regarding fires and barbecues, public space protection, and cleaning of occupied areas, which must be cleared after the celebration, are also regulated.
The Concello has also announced the 10th Decoration and Atmosphere Contest, which will reward hospitality establishments and private tables that best recreate the 19th-century atmosphere. Creativity, originality, and historical fidelity will be valued. In the establishments, exterior decoration, terraces, and staff attire will be taken into account, while for private tables, the staging and characterisation of participants will be evaluated. The prizes will be awarded on Saturday, August 15, in the Praza de España.
One of the new features of this edition is the musical programme. On Friday, August 14, the Praza de España will host concerts by Ortiga and Mondra, as part of the Orballo Cultural programme, funded by the Xunta de Galicia within the Conciertos do Xacobeo. Initially, the performance by De Ninghures was planned, but due to scheduling issues, it will not be possible. The Concello will seek a new date for the band in the future.
The Festa Corsaria is not only a tourist attraction but also an economic driver for Marín. During the weekend, hotels, restaurants, and local shops see a significant increase in activity. The Concello is working to make this year's edition the most participative, with activities for all ages and an atmosphere that invites locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the town's corsair history.
To facilitate organisation, the City Council recommends that those interested in setting up tables submit their documentation in advance and follow aesthetic guidelines to maintain the historical coherence of the event. The complete regulations are available on the municipal website. With an eye on August 14, Marín is preparing for a new edition that promises to break all records.
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