Raigame: A Journey Through Time to Discover Traditional Crafts as a Family

Some family outings are just for fun, while others teach children without them even realizing they’re learning. The Raigame Ethnographic Pilgrimage, held every May 17 in Vilanova dos Infantes (Celanova), is one such event that lets you explore the past in a fairytale-like setting—that of the early 20th century.

Stonemasons carving stone with chisels, women spinning yarn in the sun, “zoqueiros” shaping wooden clogs, blacksmiths stoking the forge’s fire… Dozens of artisans, craft by craft, bring rural Galicia from a century ago to life. A living pilgrimage that allows young and old alike to peek into the pages of a history book—only here, you can touch, smell, and ask questions.

In a single day, Raigame combines history, crafts, music, cuisine, and open-air spaces for walking and exploring—all within the safe, compact setting of the medieval town of Vilanova. Beyond just a day trip, it’s also a simple way for children to understand the origins of the trades, objects, and customs that shape Galicia today.

Music, dance, and storytelling for all ages

The festival, held from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., features a program rich in traditional music and dance, with special activities for children: storytelling, workshops, and street entertainment that make Raigame an entertaining event for all ages. The festival also features plenty of food stalls and taverns, serving Galician cuisine—both traditional and contemporary—to help you recharge.

We recommend arriving early and taking your time: let the children stop at every stall, ask the artisans questions, and discover, for example, the origins of the shoemaking tradition in Vilanova or how iron is forged.