The VIII Concurso de Música Tradicional Soalleira will take place this Sunday in Sanxenxo, featuring the sounds of traditional Galician instruments such as the gaita (bagpipe), bombo (bass drum), and pandereta (tambourine). The event, which has gained popularity in previous years, will see 50 groups and 330 performers take the stage at the Pazo Emilia Pardo Bazán.
Xoan Pérez, a representative of the organising committee, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "Sanxenxo becomes the epicentre of Galician folklore this weekend. It is an essential date in our calendar that brings together a showcase of traditional music and dance from Galicia." The competition is jointly organised by the Asociación Cultural Soalleira and the Concello de Sanxenxo.
The event will commence at 11:00 AM and will be held in both morning and afternoon sessions. Participants will compete in five different categories, ranging from children and youth to adults and seniors. A professional jury will evaluate performances based on criteria such as authenticity, tuning, difficulty, and interpretative quality.
This year, the prize money has increased to a total of €4,200, and special awards will be given for traditional costumes in all five categories, emphasising the historical accuracy and richness of Galician attire. To enhance the comfort of the performers, an outdoor tent will be available for musicians to rest and tune their instruments before their performances, along with a food stall offering snacks and refreshments.
Mari Agís, president of the Asociación Cultural Soalleira, commended the logistical efforts behind the event and the contributions of around twenty volunteers. For those unable to attend in person, the entire event will be streamed live on digital platforms, allowing fans, locals, and family members to follow the competition from afar.
