The Danza das Cocas Mural

Every August, the parish of Santa Tegra de Abeleda celebrates the Fiesta de la Luz, prominently featuring the Danza das Cocas (Dance of the Cocas); a dance that was suppressed during the Franco regime because it was considered to be ‘too joyful’ for a religious celebration. The tradition was salvaged in the 1980s by the townsfolk, who revived costumes that once had been burnt and the giants (the Cocas) that had been destroyed.

The Cocas are two colourful giants that lead the way for the dancers in the procession. Despite a dwindling population due to emigration, the dance is still performed in Santa Tegra, kindled by enthusiastic neighbours and the Castro Floxo folkloric group.

The origins of the festival also appear to be traced back to emigration, as many believe that the Danza das Cocas originated in Mexico. One legend recounts how a local man from the parish, who emigrated there, had a daughter whose eyesight was affected by disease but was cured after being taken to the chapel of the Virgen de la Luz (Our Lady of Light). In gratitude, the man, on his return to Santa Tegra, returned with the Mexican dance of this virgin.

Since then, every year, the image of this virgin has been carried in procession from the church of Santa Tegra, preceded by the Cocas. After a few hundred metres they meet the eight dancers, dressed in white, with a red sash, a blue band and a blue headband. The young women wear ties, as the dance was once reserved for men, and hold wicker bows decorated with coloured paper in their hands. The dancers then dance to the sound of gaitas (bagpipes), smiling before the virgin during the procession.


Artwork by Alba Fabre in October 2022, as part of the ‘Máis que cor na Ribeira Sacra’ Mural Festival. Alba carried out the mural with the assistance of Antonio Valdés, Alba's classmate and teacher at the Barcelona Academy of Art.