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The Bicentenary Reconquest celebration activities will begin on Saturday the 31st with a representation of the siege of Vigo by French troops, as announced by the Deputy Mayor of Vigo, Mr. Santiago Domínguez, and the President of the Residents Association of the Old Quarters of Vigo, Mr. Henrique Macías. Mr. Santiago Domínguez explained that the recreation of the French entry is one of the novelties included in this Bicentenary program and pointed out that the intention is to disseminate a part of the history of the city.

The Deputy Mayor added that transmission of information about the history of Vigo to its citizens was the foremost on the Bicentenary program plan. "the more we know about our history and the values we defend, the more self-esteem our city will have".
Mr. Santiago Domínguez explained that it would be nearly “a real time representation” of what happened during the takeover of the city. The nationalist leader disclosed that it was going to be the first of the many representations that would be held until the 28th of March in the several neighbourhoods and parishes.
The President of the Residents Association of the Old Quarters of Vigo pointed out that the aim is to commemorate the popular revolt of Vigo citizens during the activities prior to the French conquest, especially with the entry of Napoleon’s troops, who appeared at the walls of Vigo on the 31st of January, 1809, to demand the surrender of the city. This representation will be held after 19:00 hours with the French leaving from the Marco Museum.
Mr. Henrique Macías also explained that besides this representation, the entire day would be dedicated to French culture, more precisely to popular culture from Brittany. There will be a workshop on dances from Brittany and all persons who come to the Plaza de la Constitución at 18:00 hours would have the opportunity to learn the basic dances, which they will then be able to put into practice after 20:30 hours with a music concert from the band Skeud.
The President also informed us about the winners of the poster competition for the Reconquest. He stated that the winning poster "represents the spirit of the Reconquest quite well". The slogan it carries is "Hands against Rifles" and its author is Mr. Eduardo M. Campos Coello. The first consolation prize went to Mr. Xesús Vaamonde Cid for his work "Standing 200 Years" while the second consolation prize went to Mr. José Manuel Goris Cuiña for "Reconquest Graffiti".

On the other hand, Mr. Henrique Macías advanced that the registration period for vendor’s posts in the Reconquest celebrations traditional market had been opened, and that it would be held on the 28th and 29th of March, 2009. Those interested can register until the 20th of February. Registration for the sewing workshop called “Make your own clothes for the Reconquest" is also open. This is an initiative that has been started for the very first time and will be held during February and March, in order to teach people how to design and make clothes for the Reconquest celebrations, according to designs that were used at the beginning of 19th century. The course will start on Wednesday 4th February and will continue every Wednesday right through February and March. There are a limited number of vacancies and those interested in the course can register at the office of the Residents Association at Calle Oliva 12 or get information on the same by calling on 986-439799.