The ancient tradition of the Queimada
Table of Contents
La Queimada: Tradition and Mysticism in Santiago de Compostela
The queimada is one of the oldest and most symbolic Galician traditions, a ritual that blends brandy with mysticism, legends, and the cultural heritage of Galicia.
This ritual has endured through the centuries, and in places like Santiago de Compostela it is celebrated in a special way, bringing locals and visitors together around the fire for the recitation of a “conxuro” (spell) intended to ward off evil spirits. The queimada is much more than just a drink; it is an experience that fuses the history, folklore, and magic of the Galician region.
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What does the Queimada consist of?
The ancient tradition of Queimada is centered around a typical Galician alcoholic drink made with brandy, a strong and clear liquor obtained from the distillation of grape marc. To this base, ingredients such as sugar, lemon or orange peels, and a few coffee beans are added. However, the true essence of queimada lies not only in its ingredients but also in the ceremonial process of its preparation.
To prepare the queimada, a traditional clay pot is used to mix the ingredients. The brandy is then set on fire, and the liquor burns as it is carefully stirred with a long ladle, creating a mesmerizing display of bluish flames that seem to dance over the liquid. During this process, the heat of the flames burns off some of the alcohol, reducing the potency of the spirit and imparting a smoother, smokier flavor.
Read also: LAS MEIGAS AND LA QUEIMADA
Conxuro
While the queimada burns, the conxuro —a spell fundamental to the ceremony—is recited. This incantation is meant to drive away evil spirits and protect those present from malevolent influences. The recitation, performed in Galician, is solemn and almost theatrical, adding to the ritual’s mystique.
The text of the spell evokes mythological beings and witches, known in Galicia as “meigas”, who play a central role in local folklore and mythology.
The opening lines of the spell are especially iconic:
“Mouchos, coruxas, toads and witches,
demons, goblins and devils,
spirits from foggy meadows…”
Read also : UNIQUE FLAVOURS OF GALICIA: WINES AND CHEESES
Origins and Tradition of the Queimada
The origins of queimada are not entirely clear, although it is known that the tradition has ancient roots, possibly dating back to the time of the Celts, who practiced fire rituals as a symbol of purification and a connection to the spiritual world.
Galicia, with its rich mythology full of meigas (witches), mouros (goblins), and diaños (devils), has preserved many of these beliefs over the centuries. In this context, queimada is seen as a protective ritual—a way to “cleanse” the environment of negative energies and honor the supernatural beings that, according to legend, inhabit the Galician landscape.
At Galicia Travels we offer you the chance to experience this ancient Galician tradition firsthand. If you’re interested in seeing how it’s made, learning about its ingredients, discovering the words of the conxuro, and, above all, tasting the authentic Galician queimada, click on this link.
We hope you find this blog post interesting, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!