The Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme aka The Festival of Near Death Experiences is a unique and fascinating festival held annually in As Neves, Spain, in honor of Santa Marta, the patron saint of the town. The event is most famous for the procession where participants, who have experienced near-death situations, are carried in coffins to the church as a sign of gratitude for being saved. This dramatic and emotional tradition is accompanied by music, dancing, and religious ceremonies. The festival also includes a vibrant celebration of Galician culture with local food, parades, and fireworks. The Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme is a powerful blend of faith, gratitude, and tradition, making it one of the most distinctive festivals in Spain.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in As Neves or a Galicia route—we’ll plan solemn coffin processions & vows, lively romería & food stalls, smart vantage points & timing, and a walkable stay by the Iglesia de Santa Marta.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro call.
DATES & TIMES
• Festival day (2026): 29 July 2026 — held every year on 29 July (Santa Marta’s feast day). Association site · Turismo de Galicia.
• Typical schedule: Morning masses (often hourly from 08:00–11:00), Solemn Mass at 12:00 followed by the coffin procession; an evening Mass ~20:00. Exact 2026 timetable will publish on the association’s page. See recent program.
LOCATION
• Where: Parish of San Xosé de Ribarteme, As Neves (Pontevedra, Galicia).
• Open in Google Maps (Santa Marta church) · Rías Baixas tourism.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Free public pilgrimage (no tickets). Expect large crowds around the church and procession route. Learn more.
GOOD TO KNOW
• What happens: After the 12:00 Solemn Mass, relatives carry devotees in open coffins to give thanks to Santa Marta, then circle from the church toward the cemetery and back while a traditional gozos is chanted. Procession details.
• Etiquette: Treat it as a religious ceremony (no stepping into the procession; keep photos discreet near the coffins).
• Arrival tips: Arrive early for the 12:00 Mass and procession; village streets are narrow and fill quickly—use signed parking/approaches for As Neves.
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest a Galicia route that includes the Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.