All of Spain celebrates this originally pagan festival in different ways. On a smaller scale, but richer in tradition and legends, the Carnivals of northern Spain offer a wide range of ways to enjoy this festival of disguises. The towns and villages of Galicia celebrate Entroido. This festival takes advantage of the freedom of disguise to create an atmosphere of mockery and fun. Everything is permitted for a day in this upside-down world. The best known are in Laza, Verín, Vila de Cruces, A Estrada and Vilaboa, and some are classified as events of national tourist interest.
Their origins go back to the times when Carnival was the last feast before the restrictions of Lent. People would disguise themselves in old clothes and try to fool their neighbors.
We enjoyed meeting the locals in a wonderful mountain top town where the people of the village greeted us warmly on a cold and rainy day. They invited us to join in the celebration enjoy some of the local wine and homemade “chopito” (liqueurs made of herbs) that warmed us up nicely as we listened to the musicians play their celtic songs and watched the towns people share in the dancing.
Another wonderful surprise and special experience in Galicia!
Verin Carnivale Article: (see attachment below)
