This festivity has a long tradition. The most important day is Good Friday, when 3 large processions are held. The first, at 9 am, is that of “Perdón” (Forgiveness); the second, that of the “Santo Entierro” (Holy Burial) is at 6 pm and the last, and most emotive one, that of the “Virgen de la Soledad” (Our Lady of Solitude), is at 9 pm.
Last weekend in April. A programme of activities and performances featuring several folk groups and parades with traditional Galician music. It also includes a Tavern Singing Competition.
Second Sunday in May. This event, which has been declared a festival of Galician tourist interest and is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary, has the objective of promoting Melide’s traditional confectionery. The exhibitors gather in the square called Plaza del Convento, where music and other leisure activities can also be enjoyed.
Melide honours St. Anthony of Padua on June 13. The profound, traditional devotion to this matchmaking saint can be seen in the location of his chapel, which forms part of the Obra Pía de Santo Antón “pazo” (ancestral home) that rises up in the town centre, in Plaza del Convento. It is the only church in Galicia that combines baroque and pre-Columbian elements; its façade is attributed to Domingo de Andrade, the most famous Galician artist of that time.
June 29. Local holiday, since St. Peter is the patron saint of Melide. The day’s festivities included a procession and the municipality’s Gold Medal ceremony.
July 16. According to tradition, on the day of Our Lady of Carmel, Melide’s residents go up to the Castelo area, the highest part of the town, to pay homage in the chapel called Capela do Carme. If you do so barefooted, all the better.
Mid-August. This is the locality’s main festival. It is summer, the emigrants are back home on holiday and Melide spares no expense to bring the best Galician orchestras, well-known groups and music bands. A medieval market is also held.
Second Sunday in September. Devoted to wine, youth associations take over the old town while brass bands and music groups liven up the festivities. On this day, peppers, boiled potatoes and sardines are traditionally eaten in the square called Praza de Coles.
