As part of the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of their accession, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain traveled to Burela, a picturesque fishing town on Galicia’s northern coast, to honor a region deeply rooted in maritime tradition and sustainable fishing. It was a day filled with symbolism, local pride, and heartfelt moments, as King Felipe and Queen Letizia shone a national spotlight on the sea-faring heart of Spain.
Shortly before noon, the royal couple arrived by helicopter at A Marosa, where they were warmly welcomed by a delegation of dignitaries, including Mayor Carmela López, the President of the Xunta Alfonso Rueda, and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Luis Planas. This marked their first joint visit to the province of Lugo—a historic moment celebrated by the community.
For the visit, Queen Letizia kept it classic and polished in a striped blouse by Roberto Verino, first worn in September 2024. She paired it with black trousers (unidentified but previously worn), and her elegant Hugo Boss Elen belt—a piece she debuted in March 2024. Letizia accessorized with the Gold & Roses Double Dagger earrings (a favorite since June 2017), her Coreterno ring from January 2023, and the versatile Adolfo Dominguez Vachetta shoulder bag, which she first carried in November 2022. On her feet were the Sézane Paula Babies—comfortable yet refined, perfect for a day of walking, touring, and connecting with the people.
Their first stop: the Cofradía de Pescadores, Burela’s fishermen’s guild. Established over a century ago, the guild remains the economic and cultural heart of this coastal town. Basilio Otero, president of both the local guild and the national federation, guided Their Majesties through a newly unveiled mural commemorating the guild’s 100-year history. The King and Queen learned about modern fishing practices, sustainability efforts, and the guild’s thriving fish market—home to an annual turnover of €60 million and over 120 marine species, with hake (merluza) reigning supreme.
One of the day’s most moving visits was to the Nave de Rederías, where redeiras (female net-menders) demonstrated their age-old craft. In a hands-on display of tradition and resilience, the Queen engaged in warm conversation with these women—part of the 5,000 females in Spain’s fishing sector, 80% of whom are based in Galicia. Their work, often behind the scenes, was celebrated in full royal view—an important statement of recognition for gender roles in maritime labor.
The royals then visited Burela’s bustling old and new port, where they participated in a mock fish auction, bidding €21.05 for hake and €15.20 for a lot of bonito—an engaging gesture that delighted the crowd. At the Reina del Carmen, a restored 1960s bonito fishing vessel turned floating museum, they experienced life aboard a traditional boat. A charming moment unfolded when King Felipe had to duck under a low iron beam due to his height (1.97m), while Queen Letizia passed through with ease, sparking warm laughter among attendees. Later, on the Breogán Uno, a state-of-the-art fishing ship, young Galician skippers Noé and Arturo gave Their Majesties a tour of modern artisanal fishing methods, bridging tradition and innovation.
Crowds lined the port, eager to greet Their Majesties. Smiling and at ease, King Felipe and Queen Letizia took time to shake hands, pose for selfies, and speak with local dockworkers and families. Representatives from Alcoa San Cibrao also briefly spoke with the King, handing him a letter outlining labor concerns at the aluminum plant—an important moment of grassroots engagement.
Their visit concluded at Burela’s Town Hall, where they met with the municipal council and celebrated Burela’s Women’s Football Sala Team, fresh off their seventh Queen’s Cup victory. In a gesture of lasting gratitude, the King and Queen signed the Book of Honor, acknowledging the community’s warm welcome and dedication to preserving its maritime spirit.
What Queen Letizia wore for her 2025 Lugo visit
- Roberto Verino Striped Blouse – Repeat – debuted in September 2024
- Black Trousers – Repeat – Unidentified
- Hugo Boss Elen Belt – Repeat – Debuted in March 2024
- Gold & Roses Double Dagger earrings – Repeat – Debuted in June 2017
- Coreterno Ring – Repeat – Debuted in January 2023
- Adolfo Dominguez Vachetta Shoulder Bag – Repeat – November 2022
- Sézane Paula Babies – Repeat – Debuted May 2025