Galician Entroido is a vibrant and colorful festival related with carnival. Its celebration is one of Spain’s most traditional and ancestral carnivals. The name entroido derives from the word “entry”, and it signifies the start of the Lenten season. It is a time when locals come together to enjoy music, dance, and food. Entroido is a genuinely magical and thrilling event that gives a unique and authentic cultural experience, with the streets filled with laughing, music, and a variety of stunning costumes. The colors and noises are extremely appealing, and the atmosphere is lively. Entroido is irreverent, wild and subversive.
What is Entroido's history?
The origins of Entroido can be traced back to ancient pagan festivals that were held to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring, in a rural society. These festivals were a time of feasting and merrymaking, during which people would dress up in masks and costumes, and engage in all sorts of playful and often wild behavior.
Despite the changes over the centuries, however, many of the core elements of the festival have remained the same. These include the wearing of masks and costumes, the practice of going door-to-door to solicit food and drink, and the general spirit of celebration and revelry that characterizes the festival as a whole.
Today, the festival is a celebration of Galician culture and identity, with each town and village putting its unique spin on the festivities.
The Entroido Museum
There is an Entroido Museum in the town of Xinzo de Limia. The museum is dedicated to preserve the cultural heritage of Entroido and showcases the various traditional costumes, masks, and other artifacts associated with the festival.
The museum is housed in a historic building, and its collection includes a range of exhibits that offer a glimpse into the history and evolution of Entroido. Visitors can see examples of traditional costumes and masks from different regions of Galicia, as well as other cultural artifacts such as musical instruments and cooking utensils used in the preparation of traditional Entroido dishes.
The Entroido Museum provides an excellent introduction to the traditions and customs associated with this festival, and is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Galicia
Where to enjoy Entroido
Here are some of the most important locations to visit if you want to enjoy #Entroido in Galicia. They are mainly in the province of Ourense:
- Verín, where the highlights include the “Cigarróns”, men dressed in colorful costumes and masks who roam the streets and chase after people. The folklore says they formerly collected taxes, but the truth about their origins is unknown.
- Xinzo de Limia is famous for its “Pantallas,” a group of men outstandingly dressed who beat dried animal bladders, scaring people. The town hosts the longest carnival in Europe. The festival also includes a range of unique customs and rituals.
- Laza is home to one of the oldest and most traditional Entroido celebrations in Galicia. The highlight of the festivities is the parade of “Peliqueiros,” a group of men dressed in colorful costumes and masks who parade through the streets and scare people with their riding whips.
Recognitions
Many Entroido locations in Galicia have been recognized as Festival of Turistic Importance, and it reflects the importance of Entroido as a cultural tradition that is deeply rooted in the history and identity of Galicia. Verin Entroido is a National Festival of Tourist interest, while the Entroido of Xinzo de Limia has also been recognized as a Festival of International Tourist Interest in Spain.
These recognitions helped to raise awareness of the Entroido in Xinzo de Limia and has contributed to its popularity among tourists and visitors to the region. It also helps to ensure that the festival continues to be celebrated and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
What do Galician people eat during Entroido?
Food is an important part of Entroido in Galicia, and there are many traditional dishes that are associated with the festival. Here are some of them:
Cocido: This hearty stew is a staple of Galician cuisine, and it is often served during Entroido. It typically includes a variety of meats, such as pork, beef, and chicken, as well as potatoes, chickpeas, and other vegetables.
Filloas: These are thin, crepe-like pancakes that are made from a batter of flour, eggs, and milk. They can be served sweet or savory and are a popular dish during Entroido.
Orejas: These are a type of pastry that is shaped like an ear and fried until crispy. They are a popular snack during Entroido and are often dusted with sugar or cinnamon.
- Bica: this is a delicious and traditional cake from Galicia. The cake is similar to a pound cake, and it is typically made with eggs, sugar, butter, and flour. The texture of the cake is dense and moist, and it has a slightly sweet and buttery flavor.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious foods that can be enjoyed during Entroido in Galicia.
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