Galician Ritual and Queimada Tasting

Visitors to the enchanting Galician region can experience a centuries-old ritual that blends culture, tradition, and the senses. Held in San Martiño square, the Queimada Tasting invites participants to gather around a clay pot under the guidance of a meiga or druida. As they witness the preparation of the potent Galician drink, they’ll connect with the elements of nature and learn the significance of the ritual’s incantation. What awaits is a fiery concoction and an enriching encounter with Galicia’s captivating heritage.

Key Points

• A 40-minute cultural experience in Spanish or English, led by a Galician meiga or druida, that culminates in tasting the traditional Galician drink, queimada.
• Participants gather around a clay pot in San Martiño square, where the meiga or druida guides them through the queimada preparation process.
• The ritual incorporates the natural elements of water, earth, and fire, as well as the recitation of a conxuro, an incantation for good luck.
• The experience is suitable for up to 10 participants, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and cannot partake in the queimada tasting, and the venue is subject to availability.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Galician Ritual and Queimada Tasting is a 40-minute experience that’s limited to 10 participants.

A 40-minute experience for up to 10 participants, offering a glimpse into Galician culture.

Available in Spanish and English, it offers a glimpse into Galician culture for €12 per person.

Visitors can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking is available with a pay-later option, allowing guests to secure their spot without immediate payment.

The ritual takes place at San Martiño square, where participants gather around a table with a large clay pot.

A Galician meiga or druid leads the ritual, guiding guests through the queimada preparation and invocation.

Taking in Galician Culture

Through the Galician Ritual and Queimada Tasting, participants can enjoy the rich cultural traditions of this northern Spanish region. They’ll gather around a table with a large clay pot in San Martiño square, where a druid or Galician meiga will guide them through the preparation of the queimada drink. The ritual incorporates elements of nature – water, earth, and fire – that are integral to the drink’s creation. Participants will also hear the conxuro, an incantation to call for good luck, before tasting the freshly prepared queimada.

| Experience Highlights |

|———————|

| Galician Ritual |

| Queimada Preparation |

| Conxuro Incantation |

| Elements of Nature |

| Cultural Immersion |

Gathering at San Martiño Square

Participants gather at San Martiño square, the designated meeting point for the Galician Ritual and Queimada Tasting experience.

They’ll be greeted by a Galician meiga or druida, dressed in traditional attire, who’ll lead the group.

Gathered around a large clay pot on a table, the meiga or druida explains the queimada preparation process, highlighting the elements of nature – water, earth, and fire – integral to the drink’s creation.

Gathered around a large clay pot, the meiga or druida explains the queimada’s preparation, highlighting nature’s elements essential to the drink’s creation.

As the ritual commences, the participants listen intently, eager to experience the conxuro, the incantation to call for good luck before tasting the freshly prepared queimada.

Queimada Preparation Process

As the meiga or druida begins the queimada preparation, they carefully measure the appropriate amount of Galician orujo (a local liquor) and pour it into the large clay pot. Next, they ignite the liquid with a flame, evoking the element of fire. The ritual continues as they chant the incantation, or conxuro, to invoke good luck and ward off evil spirits. The queimada drink takes shape, blending the natural elements of water, earth, and fire. The process captivates the participants, immersing them in Galician tradition.

| Elements | Symbolism |

|———-|———–|

| Water | Purity, cleansing |

| Earth | Grounding, stability |

| Fire | Transformation, energy |

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Elements of Nature in the Ritual

The elements of nature hold profound significance within the Galician ritual of preparing the queimada. Water, earth, and fire are integral to the drink’s creation.

The ritual involves a druida or meiga who carefully combines these elements, using a large clay pot over an open flame. The water is added first, then the earth in the form of sugar, and finally, the fire as the drink is ignited.

This symbolic blending of the natural elements is believed to imbue the queimada with mystical properties, aiding in warding off evil spirits and breaking curses.

Calling for Good Luck With the Conxuro

After the elements of nature have been combined, the druida or meiga recites the conxuro de la meiga or druida, an incantation that calls for good luck and wards off evil spirits.

The conxuro typically involves:

The conxuro typically involves invoking the powers of the elements, requesting protection from nature spirits, and chanting to dispel negative energies.

1. Invoking the powers of the elements – water, earth, and fire.

2. Requesting the protection and blessing of nature spirits and deities.

3. Chanting to dispel negative energies and invite positive fortune.

This ritual recitation is an integral part of the queimada preparation, believed to imbue the drink with additional spiritual significance and protective properties.

Tasting the Freshly Prepared Queimada

Once the conxuro has been recited, the queimada drink is ready to be tasted.

Participants eagerly gather around the table as the druid or meiga serves the freshly prepared queimada. The fiery blue flame dancing atop the drink captivates onlookers.

Participants cautiously sip the warm, aromatic liquid, savoring the unique blend of flavors.

The queimada, with its origins traced to Celtic times or the Middle Ages, is traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits.

Participants reflect on the cultural significance of the ritual as they enjoy the captivating experience of tasting the queimada.

Important Reminders and Considerations

Participants should keep a few important things in mind when joining this Galician ritual and queimada tasting experience.

Participants should keep a few important things in mind when joining this Galician ritual and queimada tasting experience.

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and can’t partake in the tasting due to alcohol content.

The choice of venue for the workshop is subject to availability, so attendees should be flexible.

The meeting point is Plaza San Martiño, where the guide will be identifiable in traditional attire as a meiga or druida.

• Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and can’t participate in the tasting.

• The workshop venue is subject to availability.

• The meeting point is Plaza San Martiño with the guide in traditional attire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Experience Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?

The experience may not be suitable for vegetarians/vegans, as the queimada drink contains alcohol. However, it’s best to check with the organizers to see if they can accommodate any dietary restrictions or provide an alternative non-alcoholic option.

How Long Does the Ritual Take From Start to Finish?

The ritual takes 40 minutes from start to finish. It starts at San Martiño square, where participants gather around a table to watch the queimada preparation and incantation before tasting the freshly made drink.

Can I Take Photos/Videos During the Ritual?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the ritual, though they should be mindful not to disrupt the experience. It’s best to check with the host beforehand to ensure there are no restrictions on photography.

What Is the Typical Attire for the Experience?

The guide typically wears traditional Galician attire, such as a meiga or druida outfit, to lead the ritual. Participants can wear comfortable, casual clothing as the experience takes place indoors at the meeting point.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?

There’s a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to participate in the tasting due to the alcohol content. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult but cannot participate in the tasting.

Recap

Enjoy the captivating Galician ritual and queimada tasting experience at San Martiño square. Under the guidance of a traditional meiga or druida, you’ll witness the preparation of the potent Galician drink, connect with the elements of nature, and hear the conxuro incantation. This enchanting 40-minute event offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Galician culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: