Since 1961, Catoira has celebrated a pagan festival that recalls the town's role as guardian of the treasure of Santiago Cathedral, when it was a strategic location in the defence against Viking invasions. The Torres de Oeste (ruins of two of the seven original towers of a fortress which stood up to various incursions by Norse pirates during the 9th and 10th centuries) is the natural historic setting for a reenactment of a Viking invasion from that period.
Dozens of local youths arrive at the mouth of the Ulla River aboard a Norwegian drakkar, the Úrsula, making a great racket and sounding their horns. Armed to the teeth with axes and spears, taking cover behind shields, dressed in skins with helmets and swimming in red wine, the barbarians disembark amidst euphoric shouts and slugs of wine, sowing panic among the populace. When the onslaught is over, there is a traditional outdoor meal with a festive atmosphere. There is also a medieval market with stalls selling handicrafts and Galician culinary products. The celebrations continue with the Alameda street party, which takes place in town.

Highlight:
Re-enactment of the landing of Viking pirates.