Galicia (region), Spain

Galicia is an autonomous region of Spain located at the extreme northwest of the country. It includes the provinces of (la) A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense, and Pontevedra. Modern Galicia approximates the range of the ancient kingdom of Galicia. The northern and western borders are defined by the Atlantic Ocean. Asturias and Castile-León, which are autonomous communities, border the region on the east, and Galicia shares a southern border with Portugal. The hilly and mountainous region has an area of 11,419 square miles (29,574 square kilometers) and a population of 2.7 million as of 2022. Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia.

Brief History

When the Romans conquered Galicia around 137 BCE, the people already living in the region were the Gallaeci, a Celtic people. They lived primarily in the highlands. From about 25 BCE, Gallaecia, as it was then known, was a separate province of Lusitania, which included Portugal.

Christianity reached Galicia during the fourth century. The Germanic Suebi tribe conquered the region about 406 CE, and the people lived under a monarchy. The Germanic Visigoths conquered the Suebi in 469, though the Suebi retook control and reestablished a monarchy, this time a Catholic kingdom, around 550. Galicia fell to a Muslim invasion in 711.

Christianity was reestablished during the ninth century, when a tomb believed to be that of Saint James was found in Galicia, and a shrine to the saint was constructed at Santiago de Compostela. Saint James, a fisherman who became one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, is an important figure in Christian faiths. Galicia adopted James—known as Sant Iago—as its patron saint, and residents honor him every July 25, Saint James's Day and the region's National Day. According to legend, King Herod Agrippa killed James in 44 CE. His remains were hidden and later secretly moved to a tomb in Galicia.

The tomb of Saint James is one of the three primary Christian pilgrimage locations. For centuries, it has drawn pilgrims from across Europe. During the twelfth century, Santiago de Compostela eclipsed the other important Christian pilgrimage destinations, Rome and Jerusalem, in drawing pilgrims. In 1987, the Council of Europe declared the Way of Saint James, the overland routes taken by pilgrims, the first European Cultural Route. The oldest stretch of the walk covers 650 miles (900 kilometers) from France to Santiago de Compostela. Those who walk the whole way typically take a month to make the journey, and they often take advantage of free lodgings along the route. Pilgrims who adhere to tradition carry a long, crooked walking staff, atop which is affixed a large scallop shell.

In 1936, Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco refused to permit Galicia to operate autonomously, despite widespread local support. Autonomy was finally achieved in 1981 with a new statute. The government of Galicia includes a unicameral assembly and a president, who heads the parliament. In 1985, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization declared Santiago de Compostela a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Galicia's proximity to Portugal heavily influenced the development of the culture and language of the region. Galician literature of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, for example, was much more sophisticated than the works of nearby Spanish regions.

Overview

Galicia has many villages and a few cities. Its mountainous interior is better suited to raising animals than farming. Small family farms primarily produce corn and potatoes. The farms do not produce sufficient food, so many people move away, often overseas, for economic reasons. An outflow of men has skewed the demographics of Galicia—about half of the population left between 1836 and 1960. This trend, paired with an aging population, has caused difficulties for the economic development of the region.

The interior region is separated from Portugal and bordering provinces by mountains. Sawmills in the mountains reduce pine trees to lumber. Closer to the ocean, the land gradually levels out to the coastal plains. The many rivers and streams—fed by frequent rainfall—are a boon that supports the development of hydroelectric power facilities, which allows Galicia to export energy. Galicia also supports a number of wind turbines. Wind farms provide about 33 percent of Spain's energy output. Other energy sector features in Galicia include lignite deposits for thermoelectric purposes and a petroleum refinery.

Although many villages dot the region, Galicia also has several cities that are home to more than fifty thousand people. These boast universities, corporate headquarters, nightclubs, and other hallmarks of urban life. Famous daughter Maria Pita fought off English soldiers in 1589, and a square is dedicated to her in the port city of A Coruña. The city of Vigo is one of Spain's most important fishing ports. Both Vigo and Ferrol are central to the shipbuilding industry, and coastal facilities process seafood from the fishing industry. Seafood is a staple, and regional cooks are known for their local delicacies, such as boiled octopus, deep-fried calamari, and sea scallops in white wine.

The terraced mountainsides have been home to vineyards for centuries. The best-known Galician wines are whites, including Albariño and Ribeiro. Food and wine festivals draw crowds for the empanadas, which are meat pies, and cocido, a meat and vegetable stew, as well as seafood and other regional fare. Fried octopus is a favorite snack. Early July brings the roundup of wild horses from the mountains around Viveiro. Some parts of the coast are also known for water sports and beaches, which draw tourists. The coast near Ferrol frequently hosts international surfing competitions.

Although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion, Spain is a largely Roman Catholic country, with an estimated 95 percent of the population adhering to the faith. Small populations practice Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Protestant faiths. Carnavales, which precede the Christian observation of Lent, are common in many communities, as are celebrations of religious holidays. Galicians have celebrated Saint James's Day since 865 CE. The public holiday is a day of Catholic services, attended by important government figures and monarchs. It is celebrated with music, festivals, and political demonstrations.

The region's Celtic heritage is evident at many festivals and celebrations. Bagpipe music is common, as are Celtic fashions. An annual event in July is the International Festival of the Celtic World, when pipe bands from around the globe travel to Galicia to perform.

The official language of Spain is Spanish, but many regions have their own languages. The local Galician language, Gallego, is very similar to Portuguese. Linguists have debated whether Gallego is in fact a distinct language or a dialect of Portuguese.

Bibliography

"Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) Pilgrimage." Galicia Guide, www.galiciaguide.com/Santiago-pilgrimage.html. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

D'Emilio, James, editor and translator. Culture and Society in Medieval Galicia. Brill, 2015.

"Galicia." Maui Celtic, www.mauiceltic.com/galicia.htm. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Piper, Ailsa. Sinning across Spain: A Walker's Journey from Granada to Galicia. Victory Books, 2012.

Pouliquen, Jean. "James, the Patron Saint of Galicia." Celtic Countries Magazine, May 2005, www.celticcountries.com/traditions/35-james-the-patron-saint-of-galicia. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Rodriguez, Vicente. "Galicia." Britannica, 29 Nov. 2024, www.britannica.com/place/Galicia-region-Spain. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Rough Guides Snapshot Spain: Galicia. Penguin, 2015.