Descenso Internacional del Sella
Every first Saturday of August, over 1,000 canoeists race 20 km down the River Sella from Arriondas to Ribadesella, cheered on by 200,000+ spectators lining the riverbanks. Declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, it's Spain's most famous sporting festival.
Highlights
- 1,000+ canoes in a spectacular mass start
- 20 km race through stunning Asturian valleys
- 200,000+ spectators line the riverbanks
- Running since 1930 — one of Europe's oldest canoe races
- International Tourist Interest designation
- Week-long festival with cider, folk music, and concerts
The Descenso Internacional del Sella, known locally as "Les Piragües", is one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious canoe races. Since 1930, paddlers from around the world have raced 20 km down the beautiful River Sella through the green valleys of Asturias.
The race starts at Arriondas bridge with a spectacular mass start of over 1,000 canoes hitting the water simultaneously. The finish line at Ribadesella's bridge marks the end of the competitive event but the beginning of a massive celebration.
The week leading up to race day (known as Semana Piragüística) features concerts, traditional Asturian folk events, cider festivals, and sporting activities throughout the Sella valley.
History & Origins
The first Descenso del Sella took place on August 2, 1930, with just three canoes. It was the idea of Dionisio de la Huerta, who wanted to promote canoeing in Asturias. By the 1950s it had grown into a major sporting event, and in 1982 it was declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.
What to Expect
Race day starts early with a festive atmosphere at Arriondas. The mass start around 12:00 is the highlight — a wall of canoes and spray. Spectators watch from bridges, hillsides, and the riverbanks, with the best views at the start in Arriondas and finish in Ribadesella.
After the race, Ribadesella becomes one big party with open-air concerts, Asturian cider (sidra) flowing freely, and local cuisine. The combination of sport, nature, and fiesta is uniquely Asturian.
How to Get There
By Car: Arriondas is on the N-634, 70 km east of Oviedo. Festival shuttle buses connect both towns. By Train: FEVE narrow-gauge trains run Oviedo–Arriondas–Ribadesella. By Air: Asturias Airport (OVD) is 80 km away.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early — roads close hours before the start
- Watch from Arriondas bridge for the mass start, or Ribadesella for the finish
- Try sidra (Asturian cider) poured from height in the traditional way
- Book accommodation months in advance — everything fills up
- Bring waterproof gear if watching from the riverbank
- The Semana Piragüística events the week before are worth attending
Plan Your Trip
Book accommodation and transport for this festival. Get the best deals on hotels and train tickets.
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