Some traditions explain the character of a people better than any other. In Llanes, one of them arrives every August with its own name: San Roque LlanesFor several weeks, the band dresses the town in its colors and brings together entire generations of Llanes residents, families who return around this time, and thousands of visitors who discover each summer a celebration that is hard to compare with any other.
Declared of National Tourist InterestThe San Roque festivities have their roots in the Middle Ages, when Llanes was a stopping place for pilgrims traveling through the Coastal Way of Saint JamesDevotion to the pilgrim saint of Montpellier became linked to the town of Llanes through the old pilgrims' hospital. Over the centuries, this event has become one of the great expressions of local folklore, where liturgical acts, traditional music, dances, and a strong sense of belonging come together among those who participate. Proclamation of Saint Roch.
San Roque Llanes it is without a doubt, one of the town's most crowded celebrations And one of the best reflections of the relationship between locals and those who return every summer. For several weeks, the streets are filled with “sanrocudos” Dressed in the traditional costumes of Llanes men and women, the festivities continue with a series of popular gatherings that pave the way for the main day of the celebrations. And indeed, there are festivities practically throughout the entire month. cultural, sporting and musical activities for all ages and all tastes.
The Big Day and the Pilgrim Dance – San Roque Llanes
El August 16th, XNUMX It is the most anticipated date for the members of the festival group and for all those who spend their summers in Llanes each year or come to experience this great celebration. From the early hours of the morning, the rockets announce the arrival of the Saint Roch's Day And the town is preparing to experience one of its most special days.
After the parade of the Music Band of San Martín del Rey Aurelio and the solemn religious function in the Basilica of Santa María del ConceyuThe image of the saint is carried in procession along the usual route until it reaches Parres Sobrino Square. There, the offering of palm branches takes place, followed by the performance of the famous song. Llanes Pilgrim Dance.
This is one of the defining features of the celebration, a dance that represents the link between devotion to Saint Roch and the popular tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. After accompanying the saint back to his chapel, the square hosts the grand folk festival, considered one of the most outstanding in Eastern Asturias.
It features some interpretations of most representative dances of Asturian culture, such as the Fandango de Pendueles, the Danza del Señor San Pedro, the Jota del Cuera, the Xiringüelu de Naves, the Trepeletré del valle de Ardisana, the Corri-Corri de Cabrales and the Pericote de Llanes.
The afternoon continues with the Regional Gathering of Bagpipers and the parade of bands along the town's main avenues. At night, the monumental prima dance Explore the historic center before the fireworks from the El Sablón beach and a huge street party will bring an unforgettable day to a close.
Must-see sights in San Roque Llanes
Although August 16th holds the greatest excitement of San Roque LlanesThe program extends over several weeks with offerings that allow visitors to experience one of Llanes' best August festivals from different perspectives. Therefore, those looking for Llanes festivals in August They find in this celebration one of the great events of the Llanes summer.
Among the most anticipated events is the Great Trip to PancarA large communal meal with cider, music, and rehearsals of traditional dances takes place. The Cider Pouring Competition, held in the Parres Sobrino town square and included in the Official Cider Pouring Championship of Asturias, also holds a special place.
Another of the great summer nights arrives with the open-air dance of The Vega de la Portilla, which brings together hundreds of people from different towns in Asturias in search of good music and a spectacular festive atmosphere that lasts until well into the early hours of the morning.
The last Sunday of August is already celebrated Popular Jacobean PilgrimageA procession from the chapel of San Roque de Llanes to the hermitage of San Roque de Queduru, in Nueva de Llanes. To conclude the month, the town council bids farewell to the festivities with an afternoon of music, a traditional dance, and hot chocolate.
Tips for enjoying the San Roque festival in Llanes
- 📅 Save the date: August 16th to experience the essence of San Roque Llanes
If you can only visit the village for one day, make it the main day. It's the day with the most important events: the procession, the Pilgrim Dance, the folk festival, bagpipes, fireworks, and a street party.
- 📍 Find a good spot in Parres Sobrino Square and in El Sablón
These are two of the key points of the celebration. In the plaza, you can enjoy the offering of bouquets and the Pilgrim Dance, while El Sablón beach is one of the best places to watch the fireworks.
- 🌞 Don't limit the party to just the night
The festivities are part of the local atmosphere, but for the people of Llanes, the most emotional events take place during the day, especially the traditional acts, the procession, the bouquets and the dances.
- 👀 Look at the details of the San Roque Proclamation
The festivals of the two factions in Llanes are steeped in traditional rivalry, and each has its own symbols. In San Roque, the most prominent symbols are the color green, the everlasting flower worn on the lapel, and the neckerchief.
- 💚 Experience the San Roque atmosphere with respect and curiosity.
The cry “Long live San Roque and El Perru!” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this joyful, massive, and deeply Llanes-style celebration. Let yourself be swept away by the music, the folklore, and the local pride.
A celebration that conquers August
San Roque Llanes It captures the heart of summer because it combines devotion, folklore, music, memory, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a festival that looks to the past while remaining alive, bringing together those who never left, those who return every August, and those who discover it for the first time.
Among the Pilgrim Dance, ramos, bagpipes, fires over El Sablón And the pride of the people of San Roque, San Roque has become one of the great August festivities in LlanesAn essential experience to understand the strength of the factions and the way in which Llanes celebrates its identity.
