Vigo schools strengthen their connection to the sea at the 2025 Blue Fest

The Vigo Bay once again became a space for learning, discovery, and connection with the sea during the 2025 edition of Festival Azul. On the mornings of Thursday, May 22, and Friday, May 23, over 500 students from six schools in Vigo and the metropolitan area took part in a full schedule of activities combining nautical sports, environmental education, and maritime cultural traditions. The program was specially designed to foster a connection between young people and their natural environment, as well as the maritime heritage and culture of the region.

The participating schools in this fifth edition of the festival were: Colegio Ría de Vigo, Colegio Mariano, Colegio Labor, Colegio Lar, IES Castelao, and Colegio Frián de Teis. Over the course of two days, students were introduced to Galician maritime culture from various perspectives in an environment that encouraged direct interaction with the marine ecosystem and its values.

Among the highlights were the redeiras workshop, focused on the traditional craft of net mending; a sailing initiation session, offering students their first experience aboard a sailboat; and a seafood cooking workshop, where participants explored the region’s rich culinary traditions.

The experience also included a visit to the Nautilus underwater observatory, a tour of the historic Hidria Segundo ship, an exhibition of traditional boats, a cetacean workshop, and a boat trip featuring a narrated history of the Battle of Rande, blending storytelling, landscape, and marine science.

Organized by the Rías Baixas Nautical Cluster Association, Festival Azul continues to grow as a leading educational and cultural initiative. Once again, this event promotes awareness of the marine environment, encourages respect for the biodiversity of the bay, and highlights the maritime trades and knowledge that are essential to Galician identity.

In addition to the school activities, Festival Azul 2025 will continue through Sunday, May 25, offering a public program that includes water sports such as sailing, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as bay tours, seafood showcookings with local products, visits to historic vessels, and maritime culture workshops. Registration for these activities has been open since May 14 on the Rías Baixas Nautical Cluster Association’s website and social media: https://www.ariven.es/blog/2025/05/13/comeza-o-festival-azul-nas-rias-baixas/

The festival is supported by the Consellería do Mar, the General Secretariat for Sport, the Pontevedra Provincial Council, the Port Authority of Vigo, and Abanca, with special collaboration from companies such as Gadis and Anfaco. It is now a must-attend event for all audiences and a driving force for sustainable development linked to the sea and Galicia’s maritime identity.