Galicia’s Carnival, also known as Entroido, is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year.
Its name refers to the religious tradition that marks the festival as the beginning of Lent—the forty days leading up to Holy Week.
Entroido is defined by vibrant songs, colorful costume parades, and iconic figures such as the peliqueiros of Laza and the volantes of Chantada.
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Key Aspects of the Carnival of Santiago de Compostela
Although some of the celebrations during these dates are beginning to fade from urban memory, Carnival remains vibrantly alive.
In the culinary realm, it’s a time for meat: in anticipation of the upcoming period of abstinence dictated by the religious calendar, attention turns to lacón, chorizos, and cacheiras (salted pig heads unique to Galicia at this time). These, along with grelos (Galicia’s term for turnip greens) and boiled potatoes, come together to form cocido gallego—the region’s most iconic dish.
It’s also the season for filloas (savory wheat flour cakes made with pork fat) and, for desserts, orellas.
Additionally, the Val do Ulla area, which includes part of Santiago’s municipality, celebrates the ‘Entroidos dos Xenerais’, an unparalleled tradition dating back to the first half of the 19th century.
The festivities feature standout characters such as the elaborately decorated generals and mounted couriers, who parade through the parishes throughout the day, cheering on both locals and visitors. They are accompanied by an “army” of flag-bearers, choirs, groups, and parrandas. The day culminates with a staged “atranque” or “alto”—a paired, dialectical showdown that offers a chance to humorously satirize local issues, politics, or matters of the heart that have unfolded during the year.
Another cherished tradition during Carnival is the creation of the “Meco”. This doll originates from popular legends mocking ancient feudal lords and is eventually burned to symbolize the punishment of excesses.
Traditionally, the Meco would take on the form of a politician, often depicted as a pig, to denounce laziness. This year, under the guidance of José Manuel Méndez, the Meco is dedicated to social media and its societal impact, with playful references to figures like Trump and Elon Musk.
Activities and Schedules of the Carnival of Santiago de Compostela
Generally, Carnival is celebrated during the last weeks of February or the first weeks of March—always before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. This year, the festivities kick off on March 1 and run until March 15.
Below are some of the most exciting activities to mark on your calendar so you don’t miss a beat:
March 1
- 6:30 PM: Musical procession through the historic center
- 8:00 PM: Meco parade and gathering at Praza de Cervantes, featuring an opening speech by the Xenerais de Ulla
March 2
- 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM: “Os Conformistas de Conxo” comparsa
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Batucada by “Escola de Latexo”
- 5:00 PM: Children’s costume festival at Sala Capitol
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Charangas and comparsas parading through the city
March 3
- 6:00 PM: Charanga “El Tattoo” and the comparsa “Maruxas e Coralias” take to the streets
March 4
- 4:30 PM: Gathering of floats, comparsas, and charangas on Avenida de Ferrol
- 5:30 PM: Entroido parade from Avenida de Ferrol to Avenida de Xoán Carlos I
- 8:00 PM: Performance by “Charanga Ardores” at Sala Capitol
- 9:00 PM: Awards ceremony
March 5
- 8:00 PM: ‘Acompañamento do Meco’ from Praza do Toural to Praza Roxa
- 9:00 PM: ‘Queima do Meco’ at Praza Roxa
March 6
- 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Workshop for Xeneraliñas da Ulla hats
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Workshop for Entroido da Ulla confrontations
March 8
- 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: RURAL ENTROIDOS OF COMPOSTELA – Mask-making workshops and playful activities in Socio-Cultural Spaces
March 15: Closing Day with the Entroido of Conxo
- 12:00 PM: Vivas dos Xenerais da Ulla and parade of “Os Conformistas de Conxo” and “O Carro de Conxo”
- 1:00 PM: Vermouth session with “Mekánika Rolling Band”
- 3:00 PM: Popular lunch at Praza do Cruceiro Vello
- 5:00 PM: Contest for orellas and filloas, plus a piñata game
- 8:00 PM: ‘Queima do Meco’
Xenerais da Ulla Appearances in Different Parishes:
- February 22, 7:00 PM: Marrozos, Campo da Festa
- February 23, 7:00 PM: Angrois, Campo da Festa de Soutiño
- March 1, 7:00 PM: Arins, Campo da Festa
- March 2, 7:00 PM: O Eixo, Carballeira do Souto
- March 15, 1:00 PM: Conxo, Praza do Cruceiro Vello
For further details—such as the musical procession routes or costume contest prizes—check out the 2025 Entroido Program.
