1809: The first Reconquest celebrations were held in Saint Mary’s Church on the 29th of March, 1809, with a “thanksgiving service” in front of the Cristo de la Victoria (Victorious Christ), a name that the image has had ever since the 18th century.
1833: The Reconquest feast is celebrated together with the patron saint — Saint Mary and the Victorious Christ.
1866: At the time, the feast was held on the 1st of June with religious services to which poetry competitions, concerts and fireworks were added.
1899: The 28th of March was named Reconquest Day and a big procession was held with participation of the descendants of citizens who participated in the recovery of the town. They carried “Alarm” flags that were the popular units of Vigo's parishes and neighbourhoods.
1900: The feast was then changed to the first Sunday in August so that it would be held together with that of the Victorious Christ.
1909: The Reconquest centenary was celebrated with great events. A commemorative plaque was unveiled in Victory street. Locally relevant people dedicated streets to heroes from Vigo; to the Mayor Vázquez Varela and to Cachamuíña, amongst others.
1921: The first stone was laid for the monument to "The Heroes of the Reconquest". But the death of the sculptor González Pola endangered the completion of works. These works were finished in the following years through new contributions.
1947: The monument to "The Heroes of the Reconquest" was finished, it was moved to many locations until it was finally brought to its present day location at the Plaza de la Independencia.
1948: The Centre called Sons of Vigo, a local organisation destined to look after the interests of Vigo, proposed that the Reconquest feast be always held on the 28th of March, which is the actual day on which the liberation took place. This initiative became successful and has continued to date.
21st century: The Resident’s Association of the Old Quarters of Vigo set up a great Reconquest Day celebration, with a representation of the citizens of Vigo fighting the invaders, dressed in attire of the time. The event was so successful that it became the most important event of the city.
Reconquest
