Mouchos, coruxas, sapos e bruxas. Demos, trasgos e diaños, espíritos das neboadas... do these words mean anything to you? If you want to discover what lies behind this mystical chant, don't miss this queimada experience in Santiago de Compostela. We'll ward off the meigas by firelight!
Activity Details
At the designated time, we'll meet at Rúa das Casas Reais 31, in the heart of Santiago, to begin one of the most magical and ancient traditions in this part of the world: the queimada ritual. This experience is far more than a drink tasting. It's a theatrical and spiritual spectacle that connects us with the very soul of Galicia.
Over the course of an hour, we'll immerse ourselves in the history of this symbol of Celtic and pagan culture, which still beats strongly in the villages of this land. Did you know the ritual is believed to purify the soul? As the blue flames begin to rise, we'll come to understand the meaning of every element in the potion: the aguardiente, the sugar, the coffee beans, and the citrus peel.
The high point comes when we witness the brew being prepared live in its clay bowl while the famous conxuro is recited. Hearing those words invoking the forces of nature as the fire dances in front of you is a genuinely hair-raising experience, one that transports you to a past full of legend and mystery.
After the ritual, it's time to drink from the sacred potion, celebrating the bond between everyone present and making sure the evil spirits stay well away from us. Cheers!
The queimada experience comes to an end 1 hour later.
