Every year, on the night of January 19th, the medieval town of Castro Caldelas in Ourense, Galicia, bursts into fiery celebration. The Festa dos Fachos, or the Festival of Torches, is an ancient tradition shrouded in mystery, blending pagan and Christian rituals into a spectacle of fire, music, and communal joy.

The origins of the Festa dos Fachos remain uncertain. Some believe it dates back to pre-Christian Celtic fire rites, meant to honor the sun and bring protection to the land. Others trace it to 1763, when a devastating plague ravaged the region, and fire was used as a purifying force to combat the disease. Legend has it that during this time, villagers reported visions of Saint Sebastian, who promised deliverance from the plague if they built an altar in his honor. To this day, a straw effigy of Saint Sebastian is carried through the town and offered to the flames in a symbolic act of renewal and protection.

As dusk falls, the people of Castro Caldelas gather at the town’s ancient castle and main square, eagerly awaiting the spectacle. A massive straw torch, stretching up to 40 meters in length, is set ablaze and carried through the winding medieval streets. The air fills with the sound of traditional Galician bagpipes, tambourines, and church bells, as the procession moves forward, illuminating the town with its flickering glow. Villagers and visitors alike clutch their own smaller torches, creating a mesmerizing sea of fire.

Leading the parade is the straw effigy of Saint Sebastian, symbolizing both the town’s resilience and its deep-rooted spiritual traditions. When the procession reaches the main square, the grand bonfire is lit, consuming the torches and the saint’s effigy in a dramatic finale. The fiery glow reflects off the medieval stone walls, creating a mystical ambiance that transports attendees back in time.

No Galician festival is complete without food, wine, and music, and the Festa dos Fachos is no exception. After the bonfire reaches its peak, the celebration continues with a generous offering of freshly baked bread rolls stuffed with chorizo, accompanied by the renowned Ribeira Sacra wine, produced from the vineyards that line the nearby Sil River canyon. As the night deepens, revelers gather around for the Queimada ritual, a time-honored Galician tradition.

Queimada is a flaming drink made from aguardiente (a strong distilled spirit), sugar, lemon and orange peels, and coffee beans. The mixture is set on fire, and as the flames dance, a traditional spell-like incantation is recited to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The sight of the blue flames flickering in the darkness, combined with the rhythmic chanting, creates a bewitching experience—one that feels deeply connected to Galicia’s ancient past.

Many claim that Queimada is an ancient Celtic tradition passed down through generations, though its official origins date back to the 1950s. It is believed that Galician emigrants, longing for their homeland, gathered during special celebrations and performed the Queimada ritual as a way to reconnect with their roots. These gatherings often included theatrical performances that revived old legends, spells, and mystical incantations.

The ritual quickly gained popularity, spreading across Galicia and becoming a hallmark of Galician identity. In 1955, Tito Freire designed a ceramic bowl and ladle specifically for preparing Queimada, cementing its role in cultural celebrations. In the 1960s, Mariano Marcos Abalo composed a spell-like incantation, now an integral part of the experience. Today, Queimada is more than just a drink—it is a symbol of purification, protection, and communal spirit.

Queimada is traditionally prepared in a fireproof clay bowl, using a strong distilled spirit called aguardiente, along with lemon and orange peels, sugar, and coffee beans. The mixture is set aflame, and using a ladle, the burning liquid is lifted high and poured back into the bowl, creating mesmerizing blue flames that dance in the darkness.

As the fire burns, the conxuro (incantation) is recited, invoking protection against evil spirits, witches, and other supernatural forces. The rhythmic chanting, combined with the hypnotic flames, makes for an unforgettable experience—one that feels deeply rooted in Galicia’s mystical past.

Ingredients:

• 2 liters of aguardiente (burnt white spirit)
• Peel of 2 lemons
• Peel of 1 orange
• 1 handful of whole coffee beans
• 300 grams of sugar

(Or for a smaller batch: 1 liter of aguardiente, a few coffee beans, peel of half a lemon per liter, and 2.5 tablespoons of sugar per liter.)

Preparation:

In a large fireproof bowl, combine aguardiente, citrus peels, sugar, and coffee beans.

Light the mixture carefully, allowing the flames to rise.

Using a ladle, lift the flaming liquid and pour it back into the bowl in long, glowing streams.

Recite the Queimada incantation, channeling the spirit of Galicia’s ancient traditions.

Once the flames subside, serve in ceramic cups and enjoy!

Queimada is more than just a drink; it is a magical experience, a glimpse into the mystical folklore of Galicia, and a celebration of fire, community, and tradition. Would you dare to summon the spirits and taste the flames?

Beyond Queimada, Galicia boasts a variety of unique beverages that reflect the region’s deep cultural roots:

• Orujo: A potent Galician spirit distilled from grape pomace, often enjoyed as a digestif. Variants include Orujo de Hierbas, infused with herbs, and Crema de Orujo, a sweet, creamy liqueur.
• Albariño Wine: This crisp, aromatic white wine comes from the Rías Baixas region and pairs beautifully with Galicia’s famed seafood.
• Sidra (Galician Cider): Traditionally crafted in the province of Lugo and other parts of Galicia, this refreshing cider is less sweet than its Asturian counterpart and best enjoyed in a traditional sidrería (cider house).

The Festa dos Fachos is more than just a festival—it’s a living connection to history, tradition, and the power of fire as a symbol of protection and renewal. Whether you come for the spectacle, the communal spirit, or the flavors of Galicia, this fiery celebration in Castro Caldelas is an unforgettable experience that warms both the body and the soul.

Would you dare to step into the flames of tradition and witness the magic of this extraordinary night?

Deep in the Galician countryside, in the small village of Sabucedo, another festival rooted in ancient tradition takes place: Rapa das Bestas. Every July, locals and visitors gather for this breathtaking event, where wild horses from the surrounding hills are rounded up, brought into the village, and skillfully tamed in a centuries-old ritual.

The Rapa das Bestas is believed to date back to the 15th century, originating as a way for villagers to care for the semi-wild horses that roam the Galician mountains. Each year, the aloitadores—brave and highly skilled handlers—wrestle the horses to trim their manes, check their health, and mark them before releasing them back into the wild.

The heart of the festival takes place in the curro, a circular stone enclosure where the horses and aloitadores engage in a test of strength, skill, and trust. Unlike traditional rodeos, no ropes or tools are used—only raw human determination and centuries-old techniques passed down through generations. The crowd watches in awe as the aloitadores work in teams, displaying astonishing agility and respect for the animals.

After the rapa (mane-cutting) is complete, the horses are set free once again, symbolizing Galicia’s deep connection to nature and the enduring relationship between humans and animals.

Beyond the curro, the village of Sabucedo comes alive with feasting, music, and dance. Traditional pulpo á feira (Galician-style octopus), empanadas, and local wines are shared, while folk bands and bagpipers provide a rousing soundtrack to the festivities. The atmosphere is electric—an unforgettable mix of adrenaline, tradition, and communal spirit.

In the coastal town of Ribeira, summer takes a playful turn with the Festa da Dorna, a unique and lighthearted festival that celebrates maritime culture with a hilarious regatta featuring handmade boats.

Held annually on July 24th, the Festa da Dorna pays homage to Galicia’s strong seafaring heritage—but with a distinctly humorous touch. Participants build quirky, makeshift boats from unconventional materials, often resembling floating sculptures more than seaworthy vessels. The goal? To navigate the waters of the Ría de Arousa in the most entertaining (and often disastrous) way possible.

Teams compete for prizes based on their creativity, ingenuity, and ability to stay afloat (or not!). The regatta is a chaotic yet joyful spectacle, with onlookers cheering as boats sink, capsize, or miraculously make it to the finish line. The humor and camaraderie of the event make it one of the most anticipated summer gatherings in Galicia.

Beyond the water, Ribeira transforms into a giant street party. Concerts, dance performances, and seafood feasts fill the town, as locals and visitors alike celebrate into the early hours. The festival embodies the Galician spirit—full of humor, resilience, and a deep love for the sea.

If you're planning to experience these incredible festivals, here’s what you need to know:

Getting There: Santiago de Compostela is the main gateway to Galicia, with flights from major European cities. From there, renting a car is the best way to explore the region. To reach Castro Caldelas, drive through the scenic roads of the Ribeira Sacra wine region, making stops at its breathtaking viewpoints and monasteries.

Where to Stay: For Festa dos Fachos, charming rural houses and boutique hotels in Castro Caldelas offer an immersive experience. Book early, as accommodations fill up quickly due to the festival's popularity.

Best Spots to Watch: The town's castle walls provide a panoramic view of the fiery procession, while the main square is perfect for being in the heart of the action.

What to Wear: January nights in Galicia can be chilly, so dress warmly. Wear comfortable shoes for navigating the town's cobbled streets, and be mindful of fire safety when carrying torches.

Exploring More: Before or after the festival, visit the stunning Sil River Canyon, take a boat tour between its towering cliffs, or explore the ancient monasteries hidden in the valley. Hikers will love the trails through Fragas do Eume forest, while beach lovers should head to the Cíes Islands, home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

Galicia is a land of mystery, tradition, and vibrant celebrations—immerse yourself in its spirit and let the adventure begin!