A planned marriage proposal in Artes, Ribeira, on Tuesday, spiraled into a bloody mass brawl between over sixty members of two Roma clans. The confrontation resulted in one fatality – a 36-year-old man from Santiago who lived in Vilaxoán – and injured ten others, one critically. The tragic event has shaken the region and prompted increased vigilance from the National Police to prevent further retaliatory acts.
Police Investigations and Arrests: Six Suspects in Custody
The National Police immediately responded to the incidents, establishing a surveillance unit at the Barbanza highway roundabout in Xarás. So far, six individuals – four men and two women – have been arrested. Investigations are in full swing to clarify the exact circumstances of the death. The detainees are initially charged with involvement in a tumultuous brawl, with further charges such as murder or assault not ruled out once the “numerous pending proceedings” are completed.
Nuevas imágenes de la brutal reyerta multitudinaria en Ribeira entre clanes gitanos. https://t.co/k5iIOLH2GS pic.twitter.com/keTQvywpD2
— Vloonk (@vloonk) July 2, 2025
Seriously Injured Man in Critical Condition: Katana Attack Suspected
The critically injured man, who was airlifted to the Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela with a deep neck laceration, remains in intensive care but is stable. It is suspected that the injury was caused by a katana. The other nine injured individuals have already been discharged after outpatient treatment. The Scientific Police conducted extensive evidence collection work on Wednesday in the parking lot of the leisure center where the brawl erupted during the marriage proposal celebration.
Wedding Dispute as Trigger: Massive Use of Weapons and Objects
Initial investigations suggest that a disagreement within one of the families regarding the wedding – the groom is said to be from Santiago and the bride from Ribeira – triggered the deadly confrontation. The attackers not only used sticks, iron bars, and knives but also chairs and tables from the patio furniture. The first responders, four local police officers and two National Police officers, stated that they were unable to control the “overcrowded” and chaotic situation.
Ten Warning Shots: Police Struggle for Control
Officers were forced to fire up to ten shots into the air to disperse those involved. Even this was not enough to immediately end the brawl. Given the risk of further escalation and to prevent a storming of the venue, officers decided to allow fleeing individuals to escape. Shortly thereafter, six suspected individuals involved in the events were arrested at the AP-9 toll booth in Teo. On Wednesday, another vehicle involved was found in front of a house in Lavacolla (Santiago), where members of one of the clans reside. Currently, three vehicles have been impounded by the police.
National Police Presence: Prevention of Retaliatory Acts
The investigations are not yet complete, and further arrests are not ruled out. The National Police have increased their surveillance in various locations connected to the involved family clans to prevent possible retaliatory measures. The increased police presence in the municipality is expected to last for several days to prevent new tensions and confrontations. Videos of the brawl, both from residents and surveillance cameras at the leisure center, will play a crucial role in clarifying the incidents. The six detainees are currently at the National Police Station in Santiago and are expected to be handed over to Court No. 2 of Ribeira in the coming days, although the exact timing will not be disclosed for security reasons.
