Queimada: the mystical Galician ritual of fire and magic

The Queimada is a Galician tradition that, besides being a magical ritual, is an additional attraction for those undertaking the Camino de Santiago. This drink, which combines fire and aguardiente, serves as a symbol of purification that pilgrims can enjoy while traveling the Jacobean route in Galicia. In this article, we will “taste” the Queimada and learn about its origin, preparation, and the special occasions when this ritual comes to life.

The Queimada ritual has certain elements that suggest its origin in ancient cultures

Origins and meaning of the Queimada

The Galician Queimada, which means “burned,” is an alcoholic drink made from aguardiente (hard white liquor), which is set on fire along with other ingredients and consumed hot. Before drinking it, a spell is recited, transforming this beverage into a ritual. This traditional Galician spectacle, which combines fire, alcohol, and poetry, is typical at parties and celebrations.

The origins of the Queimada are uncertain and open to different cultural interpretations. It has similarities with the following cultures:

• Celtic, for the poetic element of the spell;
• Germanic, for the fondness of collective drunkenness or the taste for hot, flaming alcohols;
• Arabic, for the use of sugar and distilled aguardiente.

Professor Carlos Alonso del Real argues that the drink could not exist before the introduction of the alembic and sugar in Galicia. This happened between the 12th and 13th centuries, placing the antecedents of this alcohol in the Late Middle Ages.

The Feuerzangenbowle is a German-origin drink with similarities to the Galician Queimada, such as the use of fire

Anthropologist Xosé Manuel González Reboredo notes that the consumption of aguardiente, even without burning it, was common in rural Galicia as a remedy against colds. Later on, around 1950, Galician emigrants began using aguardiente in celebrations. In 1955, Tito Freire even created the clay pans and cups still used today to prepare and consume Queimada.

Finally, in 1967, the versatile and self-taught artist Mariano Marcos Abalo wrote the Queimada spell for a floral festival in Vigo. He continued to modify and perfect the spell, which gradually became famous, and some printing houses began printing and selling it without the author’s permission. This fueled the belief that it was an anonymous text, perhaps created in ancient times, until Mariano decided to register it in 2001.

Ingredients and preparation of the Queimada

The main ingredients of the Queimada and their proportions are:

• 2 liters of Galician aguardiente de orujo (hard white liquor);
• 300 grams of sugar (between 120 and 150 grams of sugar per liter of aguardiente);
• lemon and orange peels, and coffee beans.

The combination and proportions of ingredients can vary, but sugar and aguardiente are essential in the Queimada

To prepare the Queimada, the aguardiente and sugar are poured into an earthenware pot. The lemon peels and coffee beans are then added. The mixture is set on fire in a ladle and slowly transferred to the main pot.

The Queimada Ritual

The Queimada ritual includes the recitation of a spell that evokes Galician witches, known as meigas, while the brew is being prepared. As the fire burns, the spell is recited, stirring the mixture and creating a spectacle of fire cascades. The spell is recited with passion, adding a mystical air to the ritual.

Queimada Spell in English

Owls, owlets, toads, and witches.

Evil demons and devils,

spirits of the snowy valleys.

Crows, salamanders, and meigas,

spells of the healers.

Rotten and hollow canes,

home of worms and vermin.

Fire of the souls in torment, evil eye,

black spells, smell of the dead,

thunder and lightning.

The dog’s bark, herald of death;

snout of the satyr and rabbit’s foot.

Sinner’s tongue of the evil woman

married to an old man.

Hell of Satan and Beelzebub,

fire of the burning corpses,

mutilated bodies of the indecent,

farts of infernal asses,

roar of the raging sea.

Useless belly of the single woman,

mewing of cats in heat,

hairy and dirty hair of the poorly born goat.

With this ladle I will lift the flames

of this fire that resembles that of hell,

and the witches will flee on their brooms,

going to bathe on the beach

of the thick sands.

Hear, hear! The roars that they make

who cannot stop

burning in the aguardiente

thus being purified.

And when this brew

passes through our throats,

we will be freed from the evils of our

soul and all witchcraft.

Forces of air, earth, sea, and fire,

to you I make this call: if it is true

that you have more power than human people,

here and now, make the spirits

of our friends who are outside,

participate with us in this Queimada.

One of our group guides performing a Galician Queimada at Cape Finisterre Moments and occasions to enjoy the Queimada

The Queimada is especially popular on two dates. During the Night of San Juan, between June 23 and 24, it is usually performed as a summer celebration. On the eve of All Saints’ Day, Halloween or Samhain, it is also celebrated as a transition to the cold seasons. However, it can be prepared and celebrated whenever desired. Besides its festive use, it is attributed with healing properties and is believed to protect against curses and evil spirits.

Throughout Galicia and Spain, the ingredients and tools to prepare the Queimada can be found. Many restaurants in Santiago de Compostela offer this ritual, complete with the spell, for their customers. We know many of these places, and what better way to celebrate the end of your Camino de Santiago than with a Queimada. As you can see in the photo above, it is one of the surprises our guides offer in our group trips. If you want a full pilgrim and Galician experience, get in touch with us, and we’ll help you cleanse your soul of all evil.