Samhain in Galicia: Exploring the Celtic Roots and Legends beyond Halloween

Explanation of Samaín in Galicia and its relation to Halloween, exploring the Celtic origin of this tradition, its rituals and symbols, how it is celebrated today and how it differs from the Anglo-Saxon festival, highlighting its cultural value within Galician heritage.

The Samain is an ancestral festival with a profound mark on Galician culture and rooted in its Celtic origins. This celebration coincides with the celebration of Halloween, but they are not the same thing. In Galicia, the end of the Camino de Santiago and a land rich in traditions and legends, the celebration of Halloween has its own name and it is Samain.

In this article, we will tell you all about these unsettling celebrations that are remembered on the night of October 31st. Between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, Galicia fills with magic and charm in the heart of autumn.

The origin of Samain in Galicia

Samain or Samhain, a word of Gaelic origin that refers to the end of summer, was a Celtic festival welcoming the new Celtic year. Before the Roman domination and the arrival of Christianity in Europe, this festival lasted several days and nights. It served as a celebration of the end of the harvest season and preparation for the harsh and long winter and the entry into the new year.

Samain was a festival of transition and opening to darkness. The community enjoyed frugal banquets and plenty of alcohol, the fruit and reward of hard work in the fields. In this festive context, including bonfires, the druids took advantage of this magical moment as a connection between the real world and the other world. The world of spirits and mythological beings, on those magical nights, connected through an invisible door to the world of the living.

The fusion of Samain and Halloween

In more recent times, the celebration of Halloween appeared in North America, which coincided on the calendar with the Celtic festival of Samain. This has created a bit of confusion on the subject, but we will clarify the points.

According to the RAE, the term "Halloween" is the shortening of All Hallows' Even or "Eve of All Saints," that is, the night of the deceased. It should be noted that the current Halloween and the ancestral Samhain are celebrated on the same dates. On the other hand, we must also consider the Celtic cultural link that Irish and English settlers brought to present-day United States. One thing led to another, both events merged, and this generated a perfect breeding ground for a good (con)fusion.

There are common elements between both celebrations, aside from the date. We mentioned earlier that in Samhain the spirits crossed into the world of the living. To keep them happy, food was left outside the house, a result of the summer harvests. This evolved into what we now know as "trick or treat" on Halloween, where children, dressed as spooky beings, ask for sweets from houses.

Mythological beings and legends of Galicia in Samhain

In Galicia, mythological beings and legends are part of everyday life, but they gain much strength during this time of year. Stories of spirits and mythological characters that, told around campfires, create a truly magical atmosphere. Do not be surprised if you hear about dogs barking at night when someone passes away. Or if you are told stories about witches or meigas. And surely you recognize those grim processions of lost souls, like the Santa Compaña, right?

Mythological beings

Among the quintessential Galician mythological beings, the meigas stand out, in addition to the bruxas, goblins, and mouras. Contrary to what many people tend to think, a meiga is a mythological being of light that does good. She protects other beings from the bruxas, who would be the evil witches we all know.

These beings are not exclusive to Galicia, as they also exist in regions of northern Spain such as Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, and León. However, perhaps the main protagonists of the Galician Samhain are the "friends" of the Holy Company, one of the most well-known legends of Galician culture.

Legend of the Holy Company

The Holy Company is a procession of souls from Purgatory. Dressed in black and with hoods, they wander during the night in the Galician forests and paths carrying a candle. They are not seen, but are recognized by the smell of burnt wax from the candles in the air. Furthermore, as they pass, animals become agitated and the forest becomes calm.

It is said that they walk barefoot in two lines, and at the front of the souls is a greater specter named Estadea. Leading the procession is a mortal condemned to wander carrying a cross and a candle every night. The next morning, this mortal remembers nothing of the previous night, and their situation is only recognizable by their extreme pallor and thinness. As the light they carry at night grows stronger, the person languishes until they perish.

How to avoid it and free yourself from it?

If you want to avoid being taken, there are several solutions to free yourself from it. Carrying a cross and praying, taking refuge in a cruceiro, or making a circle on the ground and stepping inside with your eyes closed will be your salvation. But if it catches you, the only possibility of freeing yourself from this condemnation is for the procession to cross paths with another unwitting mortal. As if it were a relay race, this would be the new victim to whom you would pass the role of leading the procession.

A Pilgrim Samhain

If you are planning to undertake a Jacobean route during this autumn season, a terribly unforgettable experience awaits you. The Jacobean paths transform into palettes of beautiful autumn colors, with a very special light. That said, seek that light and protect yourself from the darkness, lest the devil might be lurking…

Enchanted Jacobean Routes

The best routes of the Camino de Santiago between October and November are the French Way and the Portuguese Way, well marked and with many services. The same goes for the Portuguese Way of the Coast, with the beautiful Atlantic Ocean always to the west. As you progress through the forests of Galicia, you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region and encounter small villages. In many of these, which still preserve traditions from Samhain, you will be able to personally experience this magical night.

If you also wish to enjoy the sea, the Northern Way and the English Way, with their particular enchanted forest, are also very good options. And if you want a mythical sunset, we propose the Way of Finisterre and Muxía at the Celtic End of the World.

Advantages of Pilgriming on Halloween

The week of Halloween or Samhain is a very good time to walk the Camino de Santiago in autumn. There are still no extreme temperatures and rains, although one must be prepared for anything. There will also not be many pilgrims along the route, and although many accommodations begin to close for the season, with prior planning you will always find somewhere to sleep.

And how could it be otherwise, a safe bet during this season: Galician cuisine, a delight for the senses and protection against the cold. Dishes such as Galician broth, stews, empanadas, and filloas are served on festive tables, accompanied by good local wines. As a finishing touch, a haunting queimada to scare away evil spirits. And let us not forget, you cannot miss the famous roasted chestnuts, a traditional delicacy of the season.

Tips for enjoying the Camino de Santiago on Halloween

If you are thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago on Halloween, here are some useful tips:

• decide which route to take: plan which route and how many stages to complete;
• book accommodations in advance: there are few pilgrims, but also slightly less availability of lodging;
• properly prepare your backpack and clothing: good footwear, warm and thermal clothing, changes of clothes, and water-resistant garments;
• explore the villages and local culture: take the time to explore the small villages along your way and participate in local celebrations.

If you want more tips for doing the Camino, contact us without obligation, we will be happy to help you and alleviate your fears.

On Halloween, at dusk, beware of the Santa Compaña

As mentioned, dear pilgrim. Imagine walking along the paths of Galicia on a sunset in late October and early November. The leaves crunch under your feet, and the air is filled with a mysterious charm. Listen to the legends that will envelop you as you walk along the paths or enjoy the delicious local cuisine and culture.

Making the pilgrimage during these holidays is a unique experience that combines the cultural richness of Galicia from Samhain and the celebration of Halloween. This journey will leave you with unforgettable memories and sensations. So, pack your backpack, and embark on this magical experience along the Camino de Santiago during this very special time!