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'Xenerais da Ulla' – Traditional Rural Carnival [15 February-9 March 2025]

[15 February-9  March 2025] 

Boqueixón,  A Estrada,  Santiago de Compostela, Silleda, Teo, Touro, Vedra, Vila de Cruces. 

The “Xenerais da Ulla” is the most outstanding feature of the Ulla region’s traditional Carnival. It has been held in the surroundings of Santiago since the first half of the 19th century: the “Xenerais” (generals) ride on horseback, dressed in colourful military garments similar to those of that time, also include purely carnivalesque adornments, which the horses also wear.

The finery, of both the “Xenerais” and their horses, stand out due to their tradition, originality, colours and degree of elaboration, making them highly valuable.

The “Entroido da Ulla” (Carnival) originated in the first half of the 19th century and is based on the combats that took place in the region during that century: the invasion of Napoleon’s army, the 1846 revolution and the Carlist wars. Its main characters are therefore brightly coloured figures that recreate those historical episodes.

“Xenerais” and adorned dispatch riders make up the spectacular nature of this authentic expression of Galicia’s traditional Carnival.

In view of its great interest, in September 2013 it was declared a Festival of Galician Tourist Interest.

Provisional Calendar:

Saturday 8 February

Presentation of the Traditional Carnival of the Xenerais da Ulla of the 8 Concellos.

  • Couso - [A Estrada] 12:00h

Saturday before (15 days) Carnival - 15 February 2025

Sunday before (15 days) Carnival - 16 February 2025

Saturday before Carnival - 22 February 2025 

Sunday before Carnival - 23 February 2025

  • Bama - [Touro] 16:30h
  • Merza - [Vila de Cruces] 17:30h
  • Angrois - [Santiago] 19:00h
  • Reis - [Teo] 19:30h

Carnival Friday- 28 February 2025

Carnival Saturday - 1 March 2025

Carnival Sunday - 2 March 2025

Carnival Tuesday- 4 March 2025

Piñata Saturday - 8 March 2025

Piñata Sunday-9 March 2025

Saturday 15 March 2025

  • Conxo [Santiago] Desfile and atranques 12:00h
  • Sar [Santiago] Desfile and atranques 19:30h

 

+ info: www.xeneraisdaulla.gal

 

Image gallery

'Xenerais da Ulla' – Traditional Rural Carnival [15 February-9  March 2025]
'Xenerais da Ulla' – Traditional Rural Carnival [15 February-9 March 2025]