Entroido de Xinzo de Limia 2027 – Spain’s Longest Carnival in Galicia

Welcome to the Entroido de Xinzo de Limia 2027 in Xinzo de Limia

Entroido de Xinzo de Limia 2027 is recognised as Spain’s longest carnival cycle and holds the status of Festival of International Tourist Interest. From 16 January to 14 February 2027, the town of Xinzo de Limia in Ourense province (Galicia) turns into a stage for masks, street revelry and ancestral rites across five successive weekends. The stars are the Pantallas – masked figures carrying dry, inflated animal bladders and bells – who take over the streets and define the celebration.

Highlights & Attractions at Entroido de Xinzo de Limia in Xinzo de Limia

• Spain’s longest carnival: five consecutive Sundays from Fareleiro through Oleiro and Corredoiro to Entroido and Piñata.
• The Pantallas: traditional masked characters in distinctive costume, devilish mask, bells and the famous inflated animal bladders.
• Domingo Fareleiro: a comic flour battle that turns the town and everyone in it white.
• Domingo Oleiro: circles of people tossing water-filled clay pots until someone gets soaked.
• Domingo Corredoiro: the Pantallas’ first official street appearance and the gateway to peak carnival.
• Martes de Entroido (Carnival Tuesday, 9 February 2027): the main parade of floats, troupes and a large group of Pantallas.
• Enterro da Sardiña and Domingo de Piñata: the symbolic close with humour, orchestras, piñatas and children’s games in the Plaza Mayor.

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

The cycle follows the liturgical calendar and peaks on Martes de Entroido (9 February 2027). Festivities traditionally open with the Petardazo and Domingo Fareleiro, then Colgamento do Meco, Domingo Oleiro and the Corredoiro weekend, when the Pantallas first appear officially. Carnival week (Friday to Tuesday) fills squares and alleys with charangas, comparsas, open-air dances and orchestras; the grand Tuesday parade is the climax. The Burial of the Sardine (Ash Wednesday) and Domingo de Piñata close the cycle.

The detailed 2027 programme (concerts, exact times, routes) is usually published by the Concello de Xinzo de Limia in January. Daytime processions and street actions typically start around 12:00; evenings and nights continue with charangas and dances into the early hours. The Museo Galego do Entroido (Rúa Dous de Maio) is a historical reference point and often the meeting place for the Pantallas – opening hours can vary from year to year.

Tickets & Admission for Entroido de Xinzo de Limia Xinzo de Limia

Entroido de Xinzo de Limia is a public street festival: participation in parades, Pantallas appearances and most street events is free. There are no tickets for the carnival itself. Occasional evening concerts or closed events may be organised separately; check the town hall website for updates. Food, drink and accommodation are the main costs for visitors. Official information: https://www.xinzodelimia.gal/

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Xinzo de Limia

• Getting there: Xinzo de Limia sits in Ourense province, Galicia. Reach it by car via the A-52 / N-525; nearest major stations and airports are in Ourense and Vigo or Santiago de Compostela. Use edge-of-town parking – the centre is packed on the big days.
• Weather and clothing: January and February inland in Galicia are often cold, wet and windy. Bring warm waterproof layers, sturdy shoes and a costume or at least something eye-catching – traditionally the Pantallas expect as few people as possible to walk the streets “unmasked”.
• Where to stay: Capacity in Xinzo and the A Limia area is limited. Book early (guesthouses, rural stays, or hotels in Ourense as a backup). Peak weekends (Corredoiro and carnival week) sell out fast.
• Respect the Pantallas: Mask-wearers have limited vision; give them space, do not pull at the bladders or mask, and clear the way. Flour and water are part of the ritual – wear clothes that can take it.
• Food and safety: Try local carnival sweets (filloas, orellas/orejas, tortitas). Bars fill up; carry some cash. Programme changes and safety notices are published by the Concello on xinzodelimia.gal.