The most important festival in Asturias is the Canoe Festival, declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest. The festival is celebrated in conjunction with the International Descent of the Sella River and takes place on the first Saturday of August, or the second Saturday if that falls on the 1st or 2nd.
Alongside the sporting event, a grand festival takes place, beginning the night before with a vigil—for those not competing—in Arriondas and Ribadesella. The main day begins with a parade through the town of Arriondas, featuring the festival's iconic characters: Asturian kings, giants, big-headed figures, the Botijos de Cangas de Onís, Selleros de Arriondas, Entaína and Marea del Sella from Ribadesella, and the Tritones de Piloña, a legendary group created by Dionisio de la Huerta to protect the river and ensure the safety of the canoeists. They are joined by groups from all over the region.
After the recitation of the ritual starting the race in verse and the mass singing of the Asturian anthem, the canoes are launched into the water with a resounding splash at noon, while thousands of revelers set off to follow the race by train or road. Some travel on the River Train, a colossus that has been part of the festival since its early years and is an integral part of its scenery, while others travel by road, using all kinds of vehicles. The challenge is to reach Ribadesella in time to cheer on the winners as they pass under the town's bridge, the finish line of the race. The festivities then move to the Campos de Oba for a picnic lunch and the subsequent awards ceremony for all categories. At night, the celebration continues through the streets and squares of Ribadesella with music until dawn.
