Carnival of Verín

Entroido de Verín

Entroido de Verín is one of Galicia's major traditional Carnival celebrations, rooted in the town of Verín in the comarca of Monterrei (Ourense). Its iconic protagonists are the Cigarróns: masked figures wearing carved wooden masks with cynical smiles, colorful tinplate mitres decorated with animal and vegetable motifs, large copper cowbells (chocas) on leather belts, and whips (zamarra) made of animal skin. The Cigarróns run through the streets, their bells announcing their arrival, and traditionally 'punish' those not in costume. The Entroido cycle spans approximately two weeks, beginning with Xoves de Compadres and culminating on Mércores de Cinza (Ash Wednesday). Key sub-events include Domingo Corredoiro (when Cigarróns first fill the streets), Xoves de Comadres, the Gran Desfile de Carrozas, Comparsas, Máscaras y Cigarróns on Domingo de Entroido, the Fariñada (flour battle) on Luns de Entroido, and the Testamento do Cigarrón on Martes de Entroido. The festival is declared Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional.