One of the most deeply rooted traditions of the Galician popular culture is the celebration of carnival, locally known as “entroido.” This festivity full of customs and history takes place between the months of February and March, just before the beginning of Lent.
Costumes, parades, music and gastronomy reach all corners of the community through very different celebrations, making it an authentic and culturally enriching celebration.
The identity of the Galician carnival
The masks, the troupes, the costumes, the traditional Galician songs, the bagpipes and the drums are elements that cannot be missing in this festivity.
First, the masks are iconic elements that represent the ancient spirits and mythological beings of the region. Each locality has its own masks and characters. In the municipality of Viana do Bolo (Ourense), for example, the “Peliqueiros” are the protagonists, known for their leather costumes and wooden masks. In the region of Ourense, carnivals are celebrated with the “Zanfontes,” masks in the shape of animals accompanied by huge bells to scare away evil spirits.
The Galician carnival is not only a visual feast, but also a sonorous one. The bagpipes, drums and other traditional instruments are heard throughout the route of the troupes, immersing the audience in a unique musical atmosphere.
The troupes are another of the fundamental elements of the Galician carnival. These groups of people parade through the streets and squares, dress up in colorful and elaborate costumes and represent scenes from everyday life as well as mythological characters or popular figures. In some localities, the troupes are organized around a specific theme, which allows the participants to create choreographies, music and theatrical performances.
In the city of Lugo, for example, the “Comparsa de la muerte” is one of the most prominent, where the members dress in dark costumes and wear skeleton masks, alluding to the ancient rituals of death and rebirth.
As you can see, the Galician carnival is highly symbolic.
Carnival in Santiago de Compostela
The Galician capital is another of the key stages of the Galician carnival. The celebration starts on Saturday, March 1st, and extends with different activities until the following Saturday, March 8th.
One of the most emblematic events in Santiago during the carnival is the parade of troupes and floats, which runs through the main streets of the historic center. The Plaza del Obradoiro, with the majestic Cathedral of Santiago, becomes the center of the festivities, where “charangas,” dances and activities for all audiences take place. Colorful costumes and lively choreographies invade the streets, while people join in a celebration of music and joy.
Never missing is the traditional “Queima do Meco,” which ends the carnival with a large symbolic bonfire in which the remains of cardboard and wooden figures are burned, representing the end of the festival and the beginning of Lent.
The flavors of Galicia in its carnival
It is true that Galician gastronomy is known for being one of the richest and most varied in Spain, therefore, in this festive season it was not going to be less. Traditional carnival dishes are a delight for the senses and reflect this rich culinary heritage.
Among the most traditional recipes are pies, lacon with turnip greens, “orejas” or “filloas.” These delicacies should always be accompanied by a good liquor or a good Galician wine to put the icing on the cake to this experience.
Each family has its secret recipes that pass from generation to generation, and it is common to gather with relatives, friends or neighbors to share these dishes while enjoying the music and the festive atmosphere.
In short, the Galician carnival is not just a party, it is a way of life that connects people with their roots, their traditions and their community. Without a doubt, a trip to any part of Galicia during its “entroido” is an unforgettable experience, full of color, emotion and authenticity.
