“Let everyone do what they like best, be careful not to disturb others, and do not be upset by what others do, even if what they do is not exactly what you would like them to do” and “find joy in seeing others enjoy themselves, even more than in your own enjoyment” are the two mottos of the Fiesta de Las Piraguas.
This festival is widely known throughout our country, but what is the International Sella River Descent? What’s the difference? In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about this significant date: when it is, where, what it consists of… Stay and discover all the details!
The International Sella River Descent 2024
The International Sella River Descent is a festival recognized as a Festival of International Tourist Interest and one of the most famous festivals in Asturias (and Spain).
And it is, in essence, a competition, as it consists of a canoe race. However, it is a unique competition, as in addition to being a sporting contest, it is also a grand celebration. On the day of the race, Arriondas and Ribadesella are painted with color, joy, music, food, and cider. But how does this work?
Well, on one hand, the race. The race is the most popular flatwater canoeing event in Spain. It takes place between the towns of Arriondas and Ribadesella, with a total route of almost 20 kilometers, and more than 1,000 canoeists participate. The participants and their boats begin their journey out of the water, in assigned positions.
The proclamation, in verse, precedes the start of the competition:
Let the public be silent (bis)
and listen to our word (bis)
By order of Don Pelayo
after measuring the waters,
with Neptune god presiding
the acts of this olympiad,
with the girlfriends, the tritons,
the cannon, the centaurs and Pialla…
once again it is authorized, in Arriondas,
the canoe race.
After the proclamation, a collective singing at full lung of Asturias, Beloved Homeland floods the place. Once the melody is finished, at 12 o’clock, the traffic lights change to green and the paddles are released from the “stocks” that, until then, had them trapped, giving way to the start. The competitors rush towards their canoes, put them in the water, get in and… The race begins!
On the other hand, the festival. It is one of the biggest and most well-known festivals in our country. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people attend, following the competition and cheering on the competitors from “river” trains, caravans of cars or buses that skirt the river, or stationed on the banks of the Sella at the start or finish. In addition, there is also the option to enjoy the competition from your own canoe.
Those who want to be present at the start begin the festival in Arriondas, where the pilgrimage begins. However, once the descent is over, after the competitors arrive at the Ribadesella bridge, a folixa or pilgrimage takes place in Llovio. Both competitors and spectators come together at this pilgrimage, and there is an abundance of food, music, regional costumes and dances, typical necklaces of the International Sella Descent and, of course, fun.
When is the International Sella River Descent 2024?
This annual competition takes place on the first Saturday of August, so the day of the month varies each year. In 2024, the competition will take place on Saturday, August 3. However, the Arriondas and Ribadesella area usually starts preparing for the arrival of travelers during the previous week.
Thus, in the days leading up to the descent, the area already begins to breathe a cheerful and festive atmosphere, and the towns start to host more and more visitors. In fact, although the competition takes place on Saturday, the Canoe Festival begins, for the most enthusiastic, on Friday night, and extends until Saturday night with the celebration of a big open-air dance in the Plaza Nueva of Ribadesella.
Who participates in the International Sella Descent 2024?
People from anywhere in the world can compete. To participate in the race, it is necessary to possess a competition license for the current year with a minimum age of 60 days.
What are the categories and modalities?
The categories are divided into men, women, and mixed, and we find cadets, juniors, under-23, veterans, and centenarians. The age of the crew in the latter must sum up to at least one hundred years. The available modalities are K1, K2, C1, C2, and RR.
Schedule for the International Sella Descent 2024
On Thursday, August 1st, prior to the event, a time trial is held in the estuary, and at the Casa de la Cultura in Ribadesella, the drawing of starting positions takes place.
On Friday, August 2nd, the distribution of bibs begins at the start of the day in Arriondas. In the same town, at the Casa de la Cultura, the opening ceremony takes place. On this same day, the Parade of participating teams and the Flag raising are held at the Paseo de los Vencedores. This is the most official part and includes the reception of local authorities.
Saturday, August 3rd, is the day when the International Sella Descent 2024 takes place. After the event, the trophy ceremony begins, followed by the festival, and finally, the big night dance in the Plaza Nueva of Ribadesella.
Route of the International Sella Descent
The route that the competitors face is full of difficulties derived from the environment itself and the large number of canoes present in the Sella River, to which we must add the changing conditions of the river, which makes the competition different each year. In the following map, you can take a look at the route that competitors take from their start in Arriondas to their arrival in Ribadesella.
Now that you have all the details… Don’t think twice and come to the most vibrant celebration of the year. Join this unique experience that combines the excitement of sports competition with festive joy. We’re waiting for you with open arms to be part of this exciting event with Cangas Aventura!