ant throwing in laza, galicia: a unique carnival tradition
Introduction to laza's carnival
Experience a truly unique and vibrant cultural event in Laza, Galicia, Spain. The Carnival of Laza, specifically the Ant Throwing tradition, is a highlight of the region’s celebrations. Held annually on February 3rd, three days before Ash Wednesday, this festival offers an unforgettable insight into Galician culture. It's a spectacle unlike any other, combining historical costumes, playful chaos, and a deep connection to local traditions. Prepare for a sensory overload of mud, laughter, and the unexpected!
The peliqueiros: carnival authority
The Carnival begins on Sunday morning with the arrival of the Peliqueiros. These masked figures, considered authorities during the Carnival, parade through the streets accompanied by the distinctive clang of large bells hanging from their waists. Their elaborate costumes and masks are shrouded in mystery, though local legends suggest they are inspired by 16th-century tax collectors who used whips and intimidating masks to control the populace. They playfully wield their whips, reminding everyone that the Entroido has begun.
Monday: the farrapada – a mud war
Monday is known as the “dirty” and “wild” day of the Carnival. The festivities reach a peak with the Farrapada, a massive mud fight in the main plaza. It begins with a single muddy rag thrown, quickly escalating into a chaotic two-hour battle of mud and laughter. This playful, messy tradition is a core element of the Laza Carnival, embodying a spirit of carefree revelry and communal enjoyment. It’s an experience that leaves participants covered in mud and brimming with joy.
The ant throwing ritual
The most peculiar and iconic event is the Ant Throwing. Young men venture into the countryside to collect anthills, filling sacks with dirt teeming with ants. They then douse the ants with vinegar to awaken them, before returning to the plaza to fling the ant-filled dirt into the air, onto onlookers, and even directly at people! This unique tradition, while unusual, is a celebrated and integral part of the Laza Carnival experience.
The morena: a chaotic cow
Adding to the mayhem is the Morena, a cow masquerader who briefly appears during the ant-throwing episode. This character acts like a wild, loose cow, butting into people, playfully lifting skirts, and generally contributing to the overall sense of delightful chaos. The Morena's carved wooden mask, attached to a long pole, is manipulated with aggressive gestures, creating a memorable and humorous spectacle within the crowd.
The testament of the donkey (testamento do burro)
The Carnival concludes on Tuesday afternoon with the Testamento do Burro, a satirical and mocking recounting of the past year's events in Laza. Presented and read by the testamenteiro, this performance is written in rhymed verse using the Galician form of Spanish. The reader cleverly distributes metaphorical body parts of a donkey to townspeople, humorously commenting on their actions and experiences. It’s a witty and entertaining way to close the Carnival celebrations, filled with local humor and insightful social commentary.