Photo by: David Hegarty
You’ve stumbled onto a circle of people stirring a fiery liquid while slowly chanting about demons. Don’t panic – you are just witnessing the ancient Celtic ritual of Queimada (kay-MAH-da).
A Ritual Still Alive
This pagan ritual dates back to the eleventh century when Celtic tribes roamed the north western Spanish providence of Galicia. Made from a recipe that’s been handed down from generation to generation, this fiery liquid is still made today at Galician festivals, parties, and community gatherings as a way to drive out evil spirits who patiently wait to curse poor, unsuspecting souls.
Photo by: Triart3d
Packing The Punch
The drink is prepared in a clay pot, which represents the earth. Galician aguardiente de orjuo, a distilled wine with extremely high alcohol content, represents water (or the tears of Mother Nature) and becomes the base of this drink. The aguardiente de orjuo is mixed with herbs or coffee, sugar, lemon peel, and coffee beans.
A flame is ignited over the cauldron and the alcohol begins to burn, representing light. Sugar is scooped from the bottom of the clay pot, creating a beautiful cascade of blue fire as it caramelizes. When the flames finally subside, a hot, tan colored beverage is left to be ladled into clay cups.
A Spell to Ward Off Evil
As the flames rise from the burning sugar, a dark incantation is chanted in Spanish. This incantation or spell is actually a poem called “conxuro” (con-SHU-roh) and protects the soul from evil spirits that are near; it includes such significant lines as:
Photo by: jacobocanady
With this bellows I will pump the flames of this fire which looks like from Hell, and witches will flee, straddling their brooms…and when this beverage goes down our throats, we will get free of the evil of our soul and of any charm.
Forces of air, earth, sea and fire, to you I make this call: iI it’s truth that you have more power than human peple, here and now, make the spirits of the friends who are outside, take part with us in this Queimada.
More Than Just A Good Buzz
Legend says that the first sip of the Queimada purifies the soul by banishing out evil spirits, the second cleans the mind of prejudices, and the third gives rise to passion.
Community Connection
Feeling ghoulish? Learn how to make sugar skulls for Dia de los Muertos. Drinking internationally? Check out our tips for drinking in Prague and Iceland.
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9 Comments... join the discussion!
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I love those traditions. Did you try it when you were there? Awesome pictures.
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And who, after all, couldn’t use a bit of soul purification?
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Does the legend say anything about clearing up floaters in your eyes? In any case, this looks flaming interesting. Thanks for sharing.
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Looks like a scary drink to prepare but I love the idea of purification! Great article!
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the cloesest we have in Montreal to this is Absinthe at Bily Kun, and the ritual after it involves eating a huge poutine
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In Goa, India, the old folk burn cashew feni (caju) in a saucer with a bit of sugar and some cloves and peppercorns. The resulting liquid is supposed to be a remedy for the common cold.
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Wow, what a drink! It not only purifies your soul and mind but rises your passion! What else could I ever want from a drink. I’ll make sure I try it next time I’m in Spain.
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Maribel- Queimadas are galician and not held everywhere… Brendan, in Canada we have nothing close to it. Aguardiente, especially the one made in Galicia is the strongest drink I have ever had. Tequila is water compared to this.
In Latin America, they too make aguardiente, but not like we do in Spain. Colombian and Cuban friends have come over, tried aguardiente and thought it to be the strongest drink they have had.
Try it burnt (queimada) and with sugar. hahahahaha!! I suggest that you not drink too much if you have not tried aguardiente in its non-cooked state. hahahahaha!!
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