The 4th edition of Blue Week will host a sea of culture, sports, and tradition in the Ría de Vigo.

The Nautical Cluster of Ría de Vigo announced this morning the fourth edition of Blue Week. The presentation event was attended by Carlos Botana, President of the Port Authority of Vigo; Marta Fernández-Tapias, 1st Vice President of the Provincial Council of Pontevedra; Ana Ortiz, Territorial Delegate of the Xunta in Vigo; José Ramón Lete, Secretary General for Sports; and Jorge Alonso, President of the Nautical Cluster of Ría de Vigo.

According to information provided during the presentation of this event, which has become a benchmark in promoting Galicia and the Ría de Vigo as cultural and tourist destinations through sports, cultural, and recreational nautical activities, Blue Week will take place from September 30th to October 8th and has the support of the Secretary General for Sports, the Regional Ministry of the Sea, Abanca, the Port Authority of Vigo, Ecoembes, and Anfaco Cecopesca.

The fourth edition of Blue Week promises to exceed all expectations, as it will feature a wide variety of activities offered by members of the Nautical Cluster of Ría de Vigo and prominent collaborating entities. These activities aim to provide an unforgettable experience in the Ría de Vigo, open to both schools and the general public. Among the collaborating entities participating in the event are: Galping, Prado Surf, Rías Baixas Sports Fishing Association, Traslatio Foundation, Wake&Dive, Surf Vigo, Julio Verne Association, Sailway, Real Club Náutico de Vigo, Breogán Diving, Nabia Shipping Company, CEMMA, Coca-Cola, Trece Grados, Royal Galician Federation of Powerboating, Devanceiros do Mar Association, Sueste Association, Amonaga, O Cerco Redeiras de Cangas, Naval Military School, and Nos Agrupación Cultural Deportiva Recreativa.

Unique Experiences

During these days, attendees will be able to enjoy unique experiences in the Ría de Vigo, ranging from guided cruises to introductory activities in various sports, learning cooking techniques in show cooking, practicing snorkeling at the Cíes Islands, or visiting the submarine observatory "Nautilus," the "Hidria II," or the training sailboat "Peregrina" of the Navy.

In addition, to promote environmental awareness, Ecoembes will offer training and awareness talks in collaboration with Blue Week, and various free marine-themed exhibitions will be installed at the facilities of the Maritime Station of Vigo.

This year, a gastronomic and musical space will also be set up on Las Avenidas promenade, where attendees can taste the best products from the Ría while enjoying musical performances by local groups.

Those interested in participating in Blue Week can consult the complete program of activities and access registration forms for each of them through the blog of the Nautical Cluster of Ría de Vigo website (Nautical Cluster of Ría de Vigo blog), as well as on the association's social media channels, Twitter (@RiadevigoAriven) and Facebook.

De-seasonalizing these types of activities

As the port president, Carlos Botana, revealed, the goal of the institution he presides over is to extend these types of sea-related initiatives through various activities throughout the rest of the year. This was also highly appreciated by Ana Ortiz, the territorial delegate of the Xunta in Vigo, who emphasized the importance of bringing the Ría closer to the citizens.

José Ramón Lete, Secretary General for Sports, pointed out that the sea is a "strategic sector of the utmost relevance for the blue growth of our economy," and that nautical sports are "a reference point" at the national level.

Finally, Marta Fernández-Tapias, 1st Vice President of the Provincial Council of Pontevedra, advocated for "showing our Ría to the world" through such initiatives, which she highly praised and which represent "creating a base for children to approach the sea."

The Cluster

The Nautical Cluster Association of Ría de Vigo is a non-profit entity that was established as part of the Blue Growth strategy of the Port of Vigo to promote nautical culture and strengthen the nautical sector. It currently consists of 23 entities linked to the nautical value chain in the Ría de Vigo, including numerous nautical sports clubs and operators of tourist activities. They have experience in designing events and initiatives related to maritime tourism and recreational nautical activities.

The Association works for the strengthening of the nautical sector through multiple avenues, with a priority focus on valuing heritage resources related to the sea as a way to enhance the culture, history, and natural elements present in the area. In this framework, they promote the implementation of actions to bring society closer to the sea through sports, recreational nautical activities, and cultural and tourist activities. This not only promotes health but also personal and social enrichment and serves as a clear driver of local economic development.