The magosto in A Limia
The magosto in A Limia and Limia-Arnoia: the festival of chestnuts, fire and new wine in November, its origin linked to Samaín and the concellos that celebrate it, such as Xinzo in the Praza de Oriente.
The magosto is the festival of roasted chestnuts that Galicia celebrates each autumn, between 1 and 11 November, around the fire and with new wine. The 25 Motivos tourist network lists it as one of the best-loved festivals of the province of Ourense and a living celebration in the concellos of the GDR Limia-Arnoia [1].
Origin and meaning
The origin is lost in time, but the source says everything points to Celtic roots, linked to Samaín, the purifying fire and the cycle of life and death. Tradition says each chestnut represents a soul being freed from purgatory and that the fire guides the souls and accompanies the living [1]. This is the traditional explanation given by the source, not a verified historical conclusion.
How it is done
A lit fire, chestnuts popping in the drum roaster, new wine and, according to the source, chorizo, pork belly and ribs, sometimes with bica cake and queimada. It is a festival that brings together the people of the parishes, schoolchildren and emigrants who return for San Martiño [1].
Where it is celebrated in A Limia
- Xinzo de Limia: in the Praza de Oriente, with an open party where chestnuts, bread, wine and chorizos are handed out free; the source says it is one of the best-attended events in the comarca [1].
- Trasmiras: in the municipal pavilion, with a popular afternoon magosto [1].
- Sandiás, Baltar and Rairiz de Veiga: they also take part, with children’s entertainment or musical performances as the case may be [1].
- Outside A Limia, the source cites Allariz (merged with the Autumn Fair), Maceda, Lobios and Xunqueira de Ambía [1].
Living heritage
The source stresses that the magosto endures because it depends neither on fashions nor on budgets: it is born of the need to get together and celebrate having gathered what the land has given. In the concellos of A Limia and the Arnoia valley, it says, it is "more than a festival: it is a way of being", and even in schools magostos are held so that the little ones learn the tradition [1].
FAQ
When is the magosto held?
Between 1 and 11 November, around San Martiño [1].
What is eaten at a magosto?
Roast chestnuts, new wine and, according to the source, chorizo, bacon and ribs [1].
Links
Sources
- «Tempo de Magostos», 25 Motivos. http://25motivos.gal/xi-tangarano-cultural-5/
You may also like
FestivalSanta Mariña Festivities in Xinzo de LimiaThe patron saint festivities of Xinzo de Limia, around 18 July: procession from the old church, solemn Mass, the game of la chave,…
Festivals of A LimiaFestivals of A Limia month by monthCalendar of the festivals and fairs of A Limia documented in the corpus: Entroido in February or March, Santa Cruz de Lamas in May, San…
Festivals of A LimiaCalendar of patron-saint festivals, pilgrimages and magostos of A LimiaCalendar of the patron-saint festivals, pilgrimages, magostos and traditional fairs of the concellos of A Limia (except Os Blancos), with…
