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History of Galicia
Twenty centuries ago.......
Prehistory and the Celts: 400 BC
Although there were people living in Galicia even earlier, it is considered that the initial development of Galicia started with the arrivals of the Celts in the 4th Century b.c.. This is why, to this day there is a great deal of Celtic influence and culture in Galicia.
The Romans: 100 BC
The Romans followed in the 1st Century b.c., and controlled the region for six centuries. They brought Christianity, a new organization of the territory, and a new language (Latin). The Romans also gave the region the name, Gallaecia
"Torre de Hércules" The oldest functioning Roman light house in the world.
Saint James Way: 800 AD
Fast forward to the 7th century AC. The remains of Saint James were brought by his disciples to the coast of Galicia to be buried. When the remains were found, the king of the region gave the order to build Santiago’s cathedral, which is today, the end of the pilgrimage St. James Way. Thousands of pilgrims complete “El Camino” (the way) every year. The pilgrimage connected Galicia to the rest of Europe and continues to bring thousands of people to the region each year.
Annexation to the Kingdom of Castilla: 1200 - 1300 AD
During the 13th century Galicia became a region of the old kingdom of Castilla, which is the core of what is Spain today. During that time, the population lived mainly from working the land for the Nobelty.
18th - 20th Centuries
The lack of industrialization and a deteriorated economy brought the massive migration of Galicians to the Americas. Most of the emigrants arrived in Argentina. Even today, it is common in Argentina to call someone from Spain “Gallego” due to the large number of emigrants from Galicia that arrived to the country during that time.
In the year 1808, the Napoleonic invasion reached Galicia. Vigo became the first city of Spain to expel the French occupation in March of 1809.
20th century - Today
In 1936 a military coup occurred leading to the Spanish Civil War that lasted for 4 years. In 1939, Franco won the war and established a Dictatorship that lasted 40 years. After the death of Franco in 1975, Spain became a Democracy in 1978.
In the following years Galicia was recognized as a Historic Region and Galician became its co-official language (along with Spanish).
Each year the battle of The Reconquest of Vigo is reenacted in the streets.