The official start of the International Descent of the Sella takes place in Arriondas precisely at 12:00 noon on the first Saturday of August. It’s the most iconic and eagerly awaited moment of the Fiesta de las Piraguas.
Nearly 1,500 paddlers gather on the right bank of the Sella River, cheered on by hundreds of thousands of spectators lining both sides—a highlight of the Asturian summer for sports and festivals alike.
Before the race begins, a formal ceremony is observed:
📜 Reading of the Sella verses, recited by a special guest.
🎶 Performance of the Asturias Anthem and the Piraguas Anthem.
💥 Cannon blast from Arriondas and the opening of the mechanical clamps.
🚦 Green light from traffic signals, releasing all paddles at once and launching the race.
At that instant, the Sella River becomes a colorful, adrenaline-filled spectacle of K1, K2, C1, C2, RR boats racing downstream. Capsizes, cheers from the crowd, and the sheer excitement of the start make this an unforgettable event.
Arriondas, the capital of Parres municipality, is the heart of the Descent—serving as the official start for both the competition and the recreational canoe/kayak trips down the Sella.
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