Fishing is a major industry in this coastal area of Galicia (called
Rias Baixas). In Cambados, fish and
seafood sellers sell at the Lonja de Cambados (Cambados Fish Market). Fish is a common part of the daily diet in this region. La
ría de Arousa, the body of water that surrounds this area, is rich in many types of seafood as well. In Cambados, seafood is mostly collected in "O Serrido" or "A Seca", which is an area of water surrounding the
San Tome Tower (see below) that empties of water during low
tide, leaving the perfect area for seafood collectors. Large groups of them, (mostly women, with few exceptions) go when the tide is low with their buckets and tools to dig up the sand and collect seafood (
clams, cockles, etc.). The culture in Cambados, as well as most coastal villages of Galicia, very much revolves around seafood. It is always eaten at
Christmas time, on holidays, and (especially) at weddings. Every Saturday and Wednesday morning there is a market along the maritime walk, selling generally cheap clothing, accessories, shoes, perfumes, and household items. It is very popular because of its prices and walking through the market the sellers yell out prices and persuasions. Most holidays call for fiestas, in which there are performances and rides, usually occurring during summertime. The largest and most famous of these fiestas is the
Festa do Albariño which is celebrated during the week leading to the first Sunday of August. Tents are set up along the Calzada selling high quality
Albariño wine and seafood, and most people walk around with a wine glass hanging with a thread from their neck. Performances during the Albariño are usually special: whilst other fiesta performances consist of unknown orchestras, the Albariño usually brings about more famous performers. For example,
Alejandro Sanz has performed during these fiestas. == Albariño ==