To fully understand the Festival of the Pepitas, one must consider the history of Ferrol. This city was artificially established by the Crown, transforming a small fishing village of about two hundred families into a bustling city of over 40,000 inhabitants from all corners of Spain by the end of the eighteenth century. At some point in the nineteenth century, the population of Ferrol was composed of 84% men and only 16% women.

The people of Ferrol cherished Sundays and the Feast of San José, the patron saint of carpenters and, by extension, naval workers, as wooden boats were integral to their livelihoods. This unique community discovered a shared passion for music and singing, transcending their diverse cultural backgrounds, since music serves as a universal language.

These factors contributed to a sense of social cohesion, ultimately leading to the birth of the Festival of the Pepitas, celebrated in taverns, bars, and barbershops throughout the city.

Initially, the festival featured temporary musical groups, momentarily united to create magic only to fade away. However, since the sixties, enduring rondallas have emerged, dedicating themselves to year-round performances.

They enrich their repertoire while reserving the enchanting Ferrol song of Las Pepitas for the festival's celebration. Currently, Ferrol boasts six remarkable rondallas, each adding its unique flavor and legacy: Añoranzas (1983), CMI-Club de Campo (1986), Bohemios (1988), Sonidos del Alba (1997), the all-female Só Elas (2019), O Son do Mar (2023), and Nas Ondas do Mar (2024).

The festival also welcomes other groups from the region, which bring their own vibrancy and passion to our city each year, including the Troubadours of Ares, Rondalla Mugardesa, Lucero del Alba from Neda, Rondalla de Cariño, and Rondalla de Cedeira. Additionally, Ferrol residents residing in Madrid, like Barlovento and Virgen de Chamorro, contribute to the rich tapestry of this musical celebration.