Vigo started celebrating the reconquest in the following year after the citizen’s victory over the Napoleonic invaders.
Such celebrations were initially related with the Victorious Christ, whose image was taken in a procession through the city.
For many years, the day on which the celebrations were held had nothing to do with the actual historical event. In 1866, it was held on the 1st of June, with a program that included concerts, floral games and display of fireworks.
Towards the end of the 19th century, the feast date was changed to the first of August, to coincide with the feast of the Victorious Christ.
A bronze plaque was unveiled in Victoria Street, beside the Gamboa Gate, to commemorate the centenary year and streets were christened with names such as "Cachamuiña" and Mayor Vázquez Varela. Commemorative medals were minted and popular dances were held for the 1909 celebrations.
A century later, there was also mention of erecting a monument to the heroes of the Reconquest, however the project did not get underway until 1921. Lack of financing delayed the work, which was finally inaugurated in 1947, and was sited at the Plaza de España.
Years later, this monument to the heroes of the Reconquest was moved to a new location, when the cinematographic producer Mr. Cesáreo González donated a fountain with lights for the Plaza de España. It is located at the Plaza de la Independencia today.
It was also during the 1940s when the 28th of March was selected to always celebrate Reconquest Day, because it coincided with the surrender of the French occupation force. This arose as a result of the initiative from the association Centro de Hijos de Vigo, and the celebration date has stayed so ever since up to the present day.
The Resident’s Association of the Old Quarters of Vigo has lately conferred new spirit to the celebration through their initiative of organising a representation of the historic battle through the Old Quarters of Vigo with the participation of a sizeable number of Vigo citizens.
Coinciding with the celebrations, the City Council awards prizes and the City Medal to Distinguished Citizens of Vigo.
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