Galicia consolidates itself as a cultural destination linked to the celebration of musical festivals

Galicia consolidates itself as a cultural destination linked to the celebration of musical festivals

  • Festivals are formed as a strategic axis in their areas of influence, from the social, economic and tourist point of view.

Galicia has established itself in recent years as a cultural destination notable for the celebration of music festivals, both large format and smaller and specialized ones. In 2022 and 2023, more than 2 million people attended festivals and concerts sponsored by the Xunta de Galicia. Among these events, O Son do Camiño stands out for being a pioneer, which has allowed it to consolidate itself among the great events of the Spanish festival scene. Every year, tickets for this festival sell out in hours.

 

The eclectic lineup of O Son do Camiño, which this year included Green Day as one of the main artists, together with the characteristics of the venue (the Monte do Gozo) and the complementary offer of services, made this festival an unmissable event for young and not so young. This year, the festival attracts attendees from more than 15 different countries, reflecting its international dimension.

 

For Xosé Merelles, director of Tourism of Galicia, the “strategic alliance” between the music sector and tourism is perfectly reflected in O Son do Camiño, which attracts about 40,000 people daily and has filled the hotel floor of Compostela and much of the region. Merelles highlights the tourism impact of the music industry in Galicia, citing a study by the Galician Association of Musical Companies and the University of Santiago (USC), which estimates a global impact of more than 227 million euros and 3,250 jobs. Attendance at these events generates significant demand for accommodation and transportation services, increasing production by more than 60 million euros.

 

Kin Martínez, from Esmerarte Creative Industries, pointed out that each attendee at O ​​Son do Camiño would spend an average of 400 euros, benefiting not only the festival, which creates 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, but also the hospitality, accommodation, transportation and local trade.