The International Sella River Descent: tradition, sport, and the spirit of Asturias

The official competition, organized by the Spanish Canoeing Federation, has different categories according to age, gender, and type of boat. The K1 (single canoes) and K2 (double canoes) are the most popular categories, though traditional boats and canoes also participate.

One of the most exciting moments of the event is the start. With the cry, “Viva Pedro Pidal!” the athletes launch themselves into the water in organized waves according to their category. Strategy plays a key role. Knowing the river currents, choosing the optimal route, and managing your strength throughout the course are all decisive factors in achieving victory.

In addition to the main event, there are recreational categories where less experienced participants can enjoy the descent at their own pace. These recreational categories allow thousands of enthusiasts to enjoy the experience without the pressure of competition.

The International Sella River Descent is much more than a canoe race. It is an event that combines elite sports and popular participation perfectly. Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, the event attracts more than 300,000 spectators every year. Cheering from the banks of the River Sella, they create a unique atmosphere where sporting competition and festive celebration merge to offer an unforgettable experience in the heart of Asturias.

More than 1,200 athletes from over 25 countries on five continents participate. They come from places as far away as New Zealand and South Africa and as close as the United States, Argentina, France, and Hungary. The race is included in the ICF international marathon circuit, making it a benchmark event for the world’s best specialists.

The approximately 20-kilometer Descenso del Sella route runs from Arriondas to Ribadesella, passing through some of the most spectacular landscapes in northern Spain. During the race, participants navigate waters that alternate between calm stretches and exciting rapids.

The natural surroundings are breathtaking: the river winds through green mountains, Asturian meadows, and small, traditional villages. The Picos de Europa rise majestically on the horizon, providing a picturesque backdrop for this aquatic adventure.

The beauty of the route is an essential part of the Sella River Descent’s charm. Participants can also admire the region’s rich biodiversity, including riverside forests inhabited by otters, herons, and other species native to this river ecosystem.

Additionally, the descent offers a unique perspective on the most authentic Asturias: the river itself. The villages dotting the banks preserve traditional Asturian architecture, with granaries and large houses that seem to hail from another era.

The Sella Descent originated in 1930 when Dionisio de la Huerta organized the first event with just 14 participants. What began as an adventure among friends has become one of the most important sporting and festive events in Spain.

Over the course of nine decades, the Sella River Descent has evolved significantly. In 1951, it became international with the participation of Italian canoers, and it has continued to grow since then. In 1980, it was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, consolidating its worldwide prestige.

The traditional “Ofrenda del Pantruque” symbolizes the brotherhood between Arriondas and Ribadesella, the two towns connected by the event. During this ritual, a special bread is exchanged to represent the fraternal spirit that permeates the entire celebration.

Another distinctive feature is the “River Train,” which accompanies the canoeists along the riverbank. What began as a small group of supporters has grown to bring together thousands of people who enjoy the music and festive atmosphere.

Every year, at noon on the second Saturday in August, the River Sella becomes the setting for an unforgettable scene. From the Emilio Llamedo bridge in Arriondas, hundreds of multicolored canoes line up like brushstrokes on the water. They wait for the magical moment when the traffic light turns green and the proclamation is read aloud, including verses by Dionisio de la Huerta.

That’s when it happens: a vibrant crowd and an explosion of movement and enthusiasm. The boats launch themselves into the river as if part of a spontaneous choreography. Little by little, the pulsating mass stretches out and flows downstream like a colorful snake winding through trees and rocks.

From the shore, thousands of spectators applaud, shout, sing, and cheer. Some experience it from the river train, which follows the route amid cheers and cider. Others camp out the night before to get the best spot. Many more simply let themselves be carried away by the magic of the moment because the Sella cannot be seen; it can only be felt.

Participating in the Descent—as a paddler, spectator, or volunteer—means becoming part of a tradition that unites generations. There are families who have been paddling down the river together for decades, clubs that cross borders to participate, and spectators who cry with emotion when they see their children pass by for the first time.

It’s a party. But it’s also memory, identity, and shared passion. And that, believe me, cannot be fully explained in words. You have to be there; you have to experience it.

After all that effort, it’s time to feast! In Ribadesella, you can savor traditional dishes such as Asturian bean stew, bonito roll, seafood stew, and Sella eels. The cider bars and restaurants fill with life, and the atmosphere is festive and welcoming.

During these days, the town is transformed with open-air dances, folk parades, music, camping, and an infectious energy. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a few days full of culture, tradition, gastronomy, and sports.

The International Descent of the Sella is much more than a race. It’s a celebration of who we are, our land, and our summer way of life. If there’s one thing I love sharing with Carameltrail travelers, it’s this unique experience combining adrenaline, history, and flavor.

I invite you to experience it with us. Paddle, cheer, savor, and get excited! The Sella isn’t something you just see; it’s something you feel.