Originally published by ABC on 11 February, 2015

Each place in Spain has its own way of celebrating Carnival, with distinctive elements that give it special cultural interest. The chirigotas of Cadiz or the impressive parades that turn the Canary Islands into Rio de Janeiro are among the best known examples, but Galicia hides in its typical Entroidos a symbolism and tradition which gives the holidays an almost religious meaning to its citizens and attract an increasing number of visitors every year.

Verín (Ourense)

The “cigarrón” becomes the authority in the village.

One of the most famous images is the cigarrón of Verín, the most famous mask in the region of Monterrei, characterized by jumping and pounding their zamarra and anyone who crosses his path is not allowed to retaliate. Although the origin is not absolutely certain, in the past the cigarrón is believed to have been either a person that asked for money from passers-by, a tax collector, or a hunting…