A couple of years ago, the coliving community decided to establish an annual concert in honor of July 25th, the day that celebrates Galicia as a region. This event, known as Anceu Fest, features Galician music and an open mic, providing a platform to celebrate our identity and the value of the rural diversity that unites us.
Throughout four editions, we have learned, grown, and achieved accomplishments that fill us with pride.
Anceu Fest also represents the journey of creating a rural project. Initially, it started small, with modest participation from the village. Understandably, our neighbours were more reserved and shy. However, over the years, the festival has grown, and the participation and enthusiasm of the local community have blossomed. As Anceu Coliving aim is attract people to rural areas, this is another of our ways.
In this post, we will share how these four editions of the festival have unfolded, the lessons we’ve learned, and the successes we’ve achieved. We will discuss what Anceu Fest means to us and how we organize it year after year. Also, we would love to express our deepest gratitude to all the people who have helped make it possible. Without your support and enthusiasm, none of this would have been possible. Thank you all for being part of this wonderful celebration!
The Humble Beginnings: A Galician Celebration in a Rural Coliving
In the first editions of Anceu Fest, we humbly decided to organize the festival with the people we were living with in the coliving community. During the turbulent times of post-COVID in 2020, we showcased the talents of our small community.
We had Maria, a professional violinist specializing in Renaissance classical music. Agustín, the founder of Anceu, also joined in. From a young age, he performed around the world as a digital nomad, from China to his hometown of Caldas de Reis, playing guitar in bars to earn some money. Additionally, our coliver Marcos took on the role of DJ, entertaining everyone.
We spent the day celebrating Galicia together. However, the local villagers still didn’t feel comfortable joining us in this celebration. Understandably, it takes time to build connections, and we had just arrived in their home.
Anceu Fest 2023: A Growing Rural Community Celebration
Since last year, we have been celebrating in the village square, together with the local community. Last year’s event was graced by the music of the renowned Galician artist Zeltia Irevire. The open mic session spontaneously brought us our great artist Marcelo Dobode and harpist Luis. Additionally, it took us on a journey to Scotland with a musical group that taught more than 60 people to dance a traditional Scottish dance.
As is tradition, the festival was opened by Agustín and violinist María. This time, a large number of people from nearby villages and our own village attended. We also had the unconditional support of the neighborhood association, which managed the drinks and the community bar. We organized a collective picnic where everyone brought a dish to share. Our friend Granero prepared a communal paella for everyone to enjoy.
It was also special to perform on the stage, which is the same platform we had renovated in a previous project. The stage features a mural by the artist Cuco. It depicts the Celtic dance of Anceu, honoring the past, tradition, and heritage of our village. Although it rained, it didn’t dampen our spirits. The stage provided shelter, allowing us to continue enjoying the joy, music, and sense of unity.
Fourth edition: A celebration of rural identity and community spirit
In its fourth edition, Anceu Fest evolved into a major event, complete with all the excitement that comes with it. We secured financial support from the neighborhood association and the regional government, allowing us to bring in artists with proper compensation. This year, we featured the flamenco duo, who played songs both old and new. We also had the pandereteiras from Arcade (Tudoten)with the support and collaboration of Marcelo once again, enabling us to dance to traditional tunes.
The event included a jazz performance from the Pontevedra Jazz Seminar, adding a soothing touch to the day. We had a fascinating act by Skandarani, a group originating from Alexandria, and concluded with our usual DJs Marcos and Granero. The neighborhood association helped by cooking chorizo sandwiches and skewers. Our artists from the Culture Moves Europe program decorated the venue with materials provided by our friend Tia Ni. It was a collective effort to create a remarkable event.
The highlights were numerous: a large number of children enjoying the day, a sense of community and conviviality, and the presence of the WordPress community from Pontevedra, who spent the day with us, bringing new faces and connections. Many villagers joined us to spend the afternoon and enjoy the festivities together.
Anceu Fest has truly become a celebration of rural identity, diversity, and community spirit, growing from its humble beginnings into a beloved annual tradition.
