During the 1950s and 1960s, Vigo experienced profound economic and social changes. The city, historically linked to fishing and shipbuilding, solidified its role as Galicia’s industrial powerhouse. The Franco-era policies encouraged industrialization, and Vigo benefited from investments in shipyards like Barreras and the automotive industry, particularly with the establishment of the Citroën factory in 1958.

The fishing industry thrived, making Vigo one of Spain’s most important ports. The expansion of the port infrastructure allowed the city to strengthen its ties with international markets. However, economic hardship and limited opportunities led to waves of migration, with many Vigueses seeking work in Latin America and central Europe.

Despite the economic boom, daily life remained challenging for many. Working-class neighborhoods expanded as rural migrants arrived, drawn by industrial jobs. Cultural life, though limited under Francoist repression, found outlets in local gatherings, music, and cinema. The city’s growth also brought urban transformations, with new neighborhoods and infrastructure projects shaping modern Vigo.

By the late 1960s, Vigo was a dynamic, bustling city, laying the foundations for its future as Galicia’s economic engine. The resilience of its people and the strength of its industries would define its evolution in the following decades.