The Magic Descent of the River Sella

Ever heard about the Descent of the River Sella?

Wouldn't you want to be part of the greatest Canoe-Kayak competition of the world? Give it a try and see!


It is probably the most important festival in the Asturian calendar. Indeed, this event is an annual canoe race that takes place on the first weekend of August and is 20 kilometres-long, stretching from Arriondas, nestled at the foothills of the Picos del Europa, to Ribadesella. Will you be part of this crazy race?



The Story Behind the Competition

This competition is very old as it has existed since 1929. Indeed, that year Dionisio de la Huerta and his friends covered 5 kilometres between Coya and Infiesto in a canoe, down one of the tributaries of the river Sella. The next year, while they reached Arriondas, they realised some people were supporting them even though it was not even a race yet. Then, as time passed by, people started to join them. Indeed, 13 more contestants in 1932, and in 1935, people living in Asturias also joined. From that year on, the sporting challenge was over due to the Spanish civil war. But then, after the war, the competition reached another level of magnificence. Indeed, it's only in 1951 that the first foreigners came to compete. With people from Italy and Portugal, and year after year, it reached a huge international stage. How incredible is it that a simple journey between friends became one of the greatest competitions of today?



What About Today?

The race hasn't stopped to grow more each year, so much that in 1994, more than 1,400 people competed. Now, many other activities have been developed and made it the most important meeting of the worldwide canoeing community. You will find many activities near the race, such as a big celebration, gastronomic fairs and music festivals. Otherwise, people from all over the globe want to participate, boosting Spanish Tourism. The race is now deemed a world heritage tourism event by UNESCO and the organisers opened the race up to disabled participants. Then, depending on a person's level, you can either make the whole race or stop some kilometres before, so professional or not, just participate and remember it for your whole life! Many well-known sportive people come to participate and the record of the competition is set at 1 hour and 1 minute. Will you be the one to break the record?



General Conduct Festivities

To participate in this event, you must own a competition license for the current year. The race begins with a parade in Arriondas town with the main typical characters of this event. On the shore, thousands of spectators gesticulate, shout and encourage the contestants. At 11am, while canoeists are preparing themselves, you can assist in a parade of the crowd; disguised people go to the race, on foot or by car. Everybody then sings the hymn of Asturias at 12am marking officially the start of the competition and contestants reach the water with the c'eers of the spectators. They will follow the contestant's race until its end. After that, the party continues in the Campos de Ova with the awards ceremony for each category. Then, celebrations in Ribadesella continue, until the sun rises, with music, beach bars and food at every corner of the streets.