Os Remedios Festivities in Castro Caldelas

Several days of festivities in honour of the Virgen de los Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies), patron saint of the municipality. One of the most striking traditions during the Os Remedios festivities is the presence of Os Irrio Peliqueiro, a unique folklore character appearing at this time of the year. Dressed in a tailcoat with a cloth on his head and whip in his hand, the masked Irrio Peliqueiro wanders around the procession of the Virgin. He mocks those around him, drawing laughter from the locals. 

While the origins of this tradition are unknown, there are many theories under discussion, some even pointing to pagan ancestry. There might be possible totemic origin, according to Vicente Risco, or he could have been a tax collector or ombudsman. While there is no conclusive theory, we do know for sure that this practice can be traced to the Middle Ages, as historical records indicate that his costume was purchased using maravedíes, the Iberian currency prevalent in the 12th and 13th centuries. 

Date: 6–10 September