MAGOSTO

Magosto is a feast of pagan origin that honored the arrival of the autumn harvests. This antique tradition has taken deep root in Ourense, becoming one of the most unique celebrations in the city, to the point that in 2008 it was declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia.

During the month of November, especially on the 11th (St. Martin’s day, patron saint of the city), the nearby mounts are crowded with bonfires around which family and friends gather to celebrate a Magosto. Any excuse is good to go to the countryside, light a fire and enjoy seasonal products: chorizo sausages, new wine, liqueurs and especially chestnuts.

Chestnuts are the true protagonist of Magosto, since you must always roast them among the embers of bonfires. For centuries this fruit was one of the basic foods of the Galician diet. In Ourense it has retained a prominent position thanks to the many chestnut forests that still can be seen in the province. A good example of its importance is the existence of a powerful processing industry that markets products derived from chestnuts throughout the world. Special mention should be made of marron glacé and St. Martin’s cake, recipes which will delight those with a sweet tooth.

Bonfires, roasted chestnuts and sausages are the basic elements of Magosto, one of the most unique festivals in Ourense.

Gastronomy is undoubtedly one of the fundamental pillars of Magosto, but this festival is also based on superstition and mysticism. We must not forget that in its origin it celebrated the arrival of the coldest and darkest time of the year (as opposed to Os Maios festival in spring). Perhaps that is why it is one of the most opportune times to prepare a traditional queimada cocktail with its unique incantation.

There are many rituals around this festival. One the most popular ones takes place at nightfall, when the embers of the bonfires begin to cool. Tradition dictates to take the ashes in your hands and paint the faces of the other attendees black, to scare away bad luck.

Although tradition implies going to the nearby hills to celebrate Magosto, there are many associations and cultural entities that organize bonfieres in the city. The most popular may be the one offered by the City Council, in which there is no shortage of music and roasted chestnuts.

ALSO ON THESE DATES…

The autumn season brings other activities and events such as Samhain, as Halloween is known in Galicia. Christian and pagan traditions converge on the last night of October, which has become a true celebration around the world of the dead.

Another must-see event in autumn is the popular San Martiño race, one of the most popular in Galicia. Runners and fans usually take advantage of this sporting event to gather around a good stew in one of the city’s restaurants. And, without a doubt, autumn is an excellent time to enjoy local cuisine and delight in seasonal dishes such as mushrooms, chestnuts, wines, octopus or the excellent local meats, especially pork.

Precisely on these dates, one of the most important fairs in the city takes place, the Xantar International Gastronomic Tourism Fair, the only accredited international fair of this type in Spain, which brings together both restaurant professionals and food lovers.

Of course, autumn is also an excellent time to enjoy Ourense’s heritage and thermal baths (open all year round) and also the city’s packed cultural offer.