THE BLUE FEST 2024 WIL TURN THE VIGO BAY INTO A HUB OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND MARITIME TRADITION

Vigo is preparing to host the Blue Fest 2024, an event that will take place from October 24 to 27 at various locations around the Vigo Bay. The initiative, driven by the Asociación Clúster Náutico Rías Baixas, is supported by the Consellería do Mar, the Secretaría Xeral para o Deporte, the Autoridad Portuaria de Vigo, and Abanca, with special collaboration from Gadis and Anfaco.

The official presentation took place this morning in Vigo, with the presence of the Conselleiro do Mar, Alfonso Villares; the regional delegate of the Xunta in Vigo, Ana Ortiz; the President of the Autoridad Portuaria de Vigo, Carlos Botana; the Head of the Provincial Sports Service in Pontevedra, Daniel Benavides; and the President of the Asociación Clúster Náutico Rías Baixas, Celso González.

The Blue Fest 2024 will offer a wide variety of activities for all ages and tastes. The public will enjoy water sports such as sailing, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and motorboating. Additionally, there will be tourist routes around the Vigo Bay, cooking demonstrations using local products, and educational and cultural workshops related to marine life and local history. Standout activities include the "Diving into the Nautilus" experience and guided tours of historic ships.

Celso González, President of the Asociación Clúster Náutico Rías Baixas, emphasized that the Blue Fest is an evolution of the well-known Semana Azul from previous years. "This year, we decided to condense the activities into four days to offer a more dynamic and accessible program for all audiences," González said. The festival aims to promote the region’s maritime culture and tradition, while also raising awareness about the need to protect the natural environment of the Vigo Bay.

The festival will have a special focus on youth and students, with activities designed specifically for educational centers. According to Carlos Botana, President of the Puerto de Vigo, "This year we aimed to focus more on children, introducing them to maritime activities. Promoting ocean literacy and raising awareness among the younger generation is key to ensuring the future protection of our marine environment," he said during the presentation.

For his part, Alfonso Villares, Conselleiro do Mar, highlighted the importance of such initiatives: "This initiative promotes sustainability and supports Galicia’s cultural, natural, and historical heritage. That’s why we must be present and support projects like this, which also have a direct impact on the local economy. All these events add value to the socioeconomic activity of the area where they are held."

During the event, it was announced that registrations to participate in the Blue Fest activities are open starting today, October 17, and can be made through the association’s social media channels such as Instagram (@clusternautico.riasbaixas) and Twitter (@CN_RiasBaixas), and through the following link:

https://www.ariven.es/blog/2024/10/17/comeza-o-festival-azul-na-ria-de-vigo/ 

Collaborating Entities and a Diverse Program

The festival is supported by numerous organizations and companies in the sector, ensuring a diverse and enriching offer for all sea enthusiasts. Collaborators for this edition include the Fundación Traslatio, the Real Club Náutico de Vigo, Sailway, Naviera Nabia, the Real Federación de Moto Náutica, Padro Surf, the Federación Galega de Piragüismo, Surf Vigo, Bluscus, CEMMA, Wake&Dive, Kayak Vigo, the Club Piragüismo Olívico, the Asociación de Pesca de la Ría de Vigo, Mergullo Breogán, 13 Grados, the Asociación de Redeiras de Cangas, the Asociación de Marineros Artesanales y Deportivos San Miguel – Bouzas, and the Asociación de Pesca Deportiva Rías Baixas.

About the Asociación Clúster Náutico Rías Baixas

The Asociación Clúster Náutico Rías Baixas is a non-profit organization born within the framework of the Blue Growth strategy of the Puerto de Vigo, aimed at promoting nautical culture and strengthening the nautical sector throughout the value chain.

The association is currently made up of 16 entities linked to the nautical value chain in the Vigo Bay, including numerous nautical-sports clubs and tourism operators with experience in designing activities related to maritime and recreational nautical tourism.

The association works to strengthen the nautical sector through various means, prioritizing the enhancement of maritime heritage resources as a way to promote the region’s culture, history, and natural elements. This framework supports actions to bring society closer to the sea through sports, recreational nautical activities, and cultural and tourist events, which serve as sources of health, personal and social enrichment, and a clear driver of economic development.