The carnival is a phenomenon that is shared in Western countries. Each celebrates in its own way, according to Christian tradition that has followed: if in the countries of Lutheran tradition this party barely celebrated, perhaps an old suspicion that it was a celebration of Catholic hypocrisy in countries who remained faithful to the Roman Christian tradition, Carnival is celebrated as a transfer to the domains of tradition: the urban carnival of Venice are like an exhibition of urban refinement against debauchery and culture of the exhibition and the waste that remains in rural areas. And this is where we are at this end and western corner of Europe. Where carnival is called Entroido, banquet and party for the senses.
If you think of enjoying one of the most unique carnival of the Iberian peninsula, there are several things you should know. The dispersion of the population of Galicia is also counted in the traditions: there are places with their own traditions but there are also towns and villages celebrate less. The most famous Entroido cycle is taking place in the triangle of Ourense: Laza and Verin-Xinzo de Lima preserve a way of life this party, personified in the figures of screens, and peliqueiros Cigarróns. Other popular Entroidos are Xenerais da Ulla, who ride to their dialectical battles along the region of Santiago and surrounding; the parrot Ravachol of Pontevedra or the urban party in A Coruna.
The Entroido is diverse in Galicia, in the image of the country. What it remains attached in any region, as a memory profile in the predominantly rural Galicia, is the food at the center of celebrations Entroido: the fondness for tables overflowing and generous libations are one of the main axes of Entroido. People related to studying history, economics or anthropology join the opinion mayorritaría: the culinary excess s reaction to the times in which the people of Galicia suffered terrible famine. Although times have changed, there atavism that remain.
The Entroido has changed a lot since the first farmers of the late Roman Empire were devoted to oppose his sensual and excessive customs to the new Christian customs, as happened with a lot more than customs and traditions, of course. What it remains is a letter of foods that are a feast for the palate and a dislike for dietitians. The protagonist is the pork, while Christmas is seafood and summer is the beef. The Entroido Porco served in many ways: A gargantuan parade in front of the plate that includes ham and cap; bacon and ribs; ear and tail; ham and sausages ... always accompanied by chickpeas, turnips and potatoes and washed down with very sacred ribeiras, albariños and mencías.
A sight to see and above all, eating.
And what outcome! pancakes, orellas, Entroido flowers, donuts and cool ...
The Entroido in Galicia is understood as the memory of a way of understanding life that summarized, for many, the Galician soul beyond the (uncertain) on topics indecision and answer a question with another question. A memory, as explained Carlos Martinez Barbeito, to a lifestyle attached to the gifts of life, the enjoyment of the senses and the pleasures of mea and love that are rife in our land. That's the galician joy generally derived from the abundant food, splendid libations and satisfied sensuality.
And what better way to check this celebration of the carnal life in the Hotel Scala enjoying all the possibilities offered by the Entroido.
Here we wait for you all.
Photo from Lijarcio
