16th July 2022
Today, we decided to walk across to the town and explore a little. San Vicente de la Barquera is a fishing port, with lots of shops and restaurants. After walking across the main bridge, we entered the town and walked along the waterfront. The sound of music in the distance attracted our attention, so we headed over the second bridge to the fishing quay, where a large marquee was set up. Within the crowded marquee a Mariachi band was playing and pinchos (small snacks, mostly fish-based) were being handed round. Whilst George found the music a little loud, it was easy to get caught up in the merriment!
It turns out that the 16th of July is the Dia de la Virgen del Carmen, an important festival for fisherman and coastal communities in Spain. The town had events across both the 15th and the 16th (hence the loud music last night).
After we had our fill of mariachi music, we headed back over to the main part of the town and went for lunch at one of the cafes. Lindsey and I opted for a seafood platter with a bottle of wine, and George had an enormous steak. Full of protein (and wine) we staggered back to the campsite for a well-deserved rest (wisely deciding not to go swimming!)
