Activity Programme

Descenso del Sella

Monday, 4th AUGUST

  • 7:00 PM - Screening of the documentary “Sella, the River of Glory” at the Town Hall Square in Ribadesella. Afterwards, the main street of Ribadesella will be illuminated.

Wednesday, 6th AUGUST

  • 2:00 PM - Flag raising of the Autonomous Communities participating in the 87th International Descent of the Sella at the Paseo de los Vencedores in Ribadesella.

Thursday, 7th AUGUST

  • 12:00 PM – Time trial for seeded paddlers. Start at San Román Bridge (Llovio) and finish at Ribadesella Bridge.
  • 1:30 PM – Plaque unveiling for the winners of the 86th edition at the Paseo de los Vencedores del Sella. Press conference with top paddlers.
  • 2:00 PM – Technical meeting at the Pensioners’ Hall in Ribadesella (Plaza de Abastos).
  • 4:30 PM – Drawing of the starting order for the 87th International Descent of the Sella at the Ribadesella Cultural Centre. The draw will be public and open access.

Friday, 8th AUGUST

  • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Distribution of bibs and accreditations for participating teams at the Javier Hernanz Municipal Sports Centre (Arriondas).
  • 7:00 PM – Opening ceremony of the 87th International Descent of the Sella – Asturias Canoe Festival at the Town Hall Square in Arriondas.
  • Presentation of the Ecopilas Values of the Sella Award.
  • Introduction of participating paddlers.
  • Tribute to Dionisio de La Huerta Casagrán and Emilio Llamedo Olivera.
  • Flag raising and national anthems of the participating countries.

Saturday, 9th AUGUST

  • 9:00 AM – Official reception of authorities at the Parres Town Hall.
  • 10:00 AM – Start of the traditional parade of tritons, bagpipe bands, folk groups, brass bands, etc., led by the Asturian Kings through the streets of Arriondas, presided over by authorities and honorary members of the Sella Descent.
  • 11:50 AM – The poetic start begins (Herald: Theresa Zabell). The crowd will sing the anthem “Asturias Patria Querida.”
  • 12:00 PM – Start of the 87th International Descent of the Sella.
  • 12:15 PM – Departure of the River Train from Arriondas station accompanying the race to Ribadesella.
  • 1:05 PM – Arrival of the first canoes in Ribadesella.
  • 2:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Free shuttle bus service between Ribadesella and the Campos de Oba. Departures from the Ribadesella Bus Station and La Ribera car park in Llovio. Last service from Campos de Oba to Ribadesella at 7:00 PM and to Arriondas at 7:30 PM.
  • 2:30 PM – Departure of the River Train from Ribadesella to Llovio station, arriving at 2:37 PM. Lunch begins for all participants at Campos de Oba (Llovio).
  • 5:00 PM – Prize ceremony for the winners of the different categories and modalities at Campos de Oba (Llovio).
  • 5:45 PM – Departure of the River Train from Llovio station bound for Oviedo.
  • 8:00 PM – Parade of the Sella champions through the streets of Ribadesella.