Magosto
Magosto is a traditional Galician and Portuguese folk festival celebrated in November each year.
etymology
There are different theories about the origin of the name Magosto: Magnus Ustus (from Latin for "big fire") or Magnum Ustum (resulting from the magical character of fire).
Period
The festival is celebrated in Galicia on the first 11 days of November. It starts on November 1st ( All Saints Day - Día de Todos Los Santos ) and ends on November 11th ( St. Martin's Day - San Martín ).
procedure
During the festive season, roasted chestnuts are sold in the streets of the cities . In addition, new wine, paprika sausage ( chorizo ) and fire are regular ingredients .
On St. Martin's Day, many groups of (mostly young) residents already gather in the morning to hike out into the mountains. There, campfires are lit and chestnuts are roasted. The different groups usually have a traditional place that is visited every year.
There is traditionally music and wine around the campfire. Nowadays, other beverages are also consumed and, in addition to the chestnuts, which are roasted in the fire, meat is also grilled on a grill .
When it gets dark, the groups leave their campfire and meet in a larger, open area on the mountain to celebrate together.
Similar festivals in other regions
In the Basque Country , the festival of Gaztañarre is celebrated, which is similar to the Magosto.
