Xinzo de Limia and Verín: Galicia's most famous carnival begins

On January 29th, the carnival of Xinzo de Limia kicked off with its traditional fareleiro Sunday. The more than 300 kilos of flour that were thrown among the attendees have not only served to mark the beginning of the entroido of this town, but of all Galicia that, in addition, will extend almost a month, until February 26.

Of the many and varied entroidos that are celebrated in Galicia, nine of them have the recognition of tourist interest. This is the case of the Entroido of Xinzo de Limia, which enjoys the title of Fiesta of International Tourist Interest; the Entroido of Verín, Fiesta of National Tourist Interest; and, at the regional level, we find the Carnival of Cobres, the Entroido of Laza, the one of Viana do Bolo, the Folión Tradicional do Entroido of Manzaneda, the Xenerais da Ulla, the Entroido of Maceda and the one of Vilariño de Conso. Today we discover two of the most famous antroidos!

Entroido of Xinzo de Limia

It is held in Xinzo de Limia and is the longest carnival in Spain and possibly the world. It extends over five weekends, starting on Fareleiro Sunday until Piñata Sunday. Thus, as in other localities, the most awaited day by locals and visitors is Entroido Tuesday.

As in any good carnival, the Entroido of Xinzo de Limia has its popular character: the screens. These go with their faces covered with a mask made of a single piece, in paper paste and painted in a way that slightly resembles a devil. The attire is completed with a white shirt and breeches, black leggings and shoes, red or black cape, red sash with bells, scarf and, the most bizarre, two balloons made of animal bladders that constantly hit to scare passers-by.

Entroido of Verín

The Entroido of Verín is shorter than the previous one, spread over two weeks, but it has nothing to envy. Among its important days are Compadres Thursday, Corredoiro Sunday, Comadres Thursday, A Raíña do Entroido, Compadreo Friday, Entroido Sunday, Fareleiro Monday and Entroido Tuesday.

If in Xinzo we talk about screens, in Verín we talk about cigarróns. The origin of these figures dates back to the 16th century and it is believed that they could be a representation of the tax collectors of the time or watchmen of the ecclesiastical orthodoxy. The cigarrones wear masks and their peculiar uniform can weigh up to 25 kilos!