The Queimada, a burning drink of the Galicians in Spain, is said to ward off evil spirits and evil spirits.
At present, queimada has not been identified as a mysterious ritual passed down through the ages or merely a fun to help remember the past. Anyway, it still holds a special and mystical place in Galicia, helping to bring people together to celebrate their culture.
Don’t panic when you witness a person stirring a burning liquid while chanting spells to ward off evil spirits. Because it’s a ritual from the Celtic days called Queimada.
This is a ritual from Celtic times called Queimada.
The Christian ritual dates back to the 11th century, when Celtic tribes migrated to the province of Galicia, Spain. Made according to a recipe passed down through the generations, this fiery drink still pops up at parties, festivals and community events in Galicia. This ritual is considered a way of warding off evil spirits.
Fire is lit on the cauldron and the alcohol begins to burn, representing light.
Special drinks are prepared in a ceramic cauldron, symbolizing the Earth. The brandy aguardiente de orjuo represents water (or Mother Nature’s tears) and is the main ingredient of this drink. The wine is then mixed with herbs or coffee, sugar, thatch pods and coffee beans.
Fire is lit on the cauldron and the alcohol begins to burn, representing light. The sugar is stirred up from the bottom of the cauldron and forms a mysterious blue flame as it gradually turns caramelized. When the fire is smaller, the drink is scooped out into small porcelain cups for everyone to enjoy.
As flames rise from the burning line, a spell is recited in Spanish intended to ward off evil spirits in the surroundings.
This drink plays an important role as a bridge connecting the community.
Legend has it that the first sip of Queimada purifies the soul by warding off evil spirits, the second swallows prejudices, and the third increases passion.
This drink plays an important role as a bridge connecting the community. It is often prepared at parties and festivals in Galicia.