Folión das Fachas de Vilelos

This culturally significant Castreña tradition is among the few places in Galicia that still preserves the folk ritual known as folión, marking the eve of parish festivities.

Preparation begins during the summer months with the collection of agucios, plants born in spring and harvested when they become very dry, usually in August. After several days of harvesting, the plants are then used to make fachas (torches), which will provide all the necessary lighting for the festivities. They are made as large as possible, since they alone decide when the festivities ends: they last as long as there is fire (at least this is how it was when there was no electricity).

Festivities commence with the procession of the smallest fachas, which light the way to the Castro da Besta, announcing to all the nearby parishes that the place will be celebrating a feast. According to ancient times, the procession of the ‘fachas’ was once made as an offering to the gods to thank them for the good harvests.

Date: last Friday in September