A rest day in Muxia. Quite fortuitous as the fiesta is still in full swing.
A late breakfast.
The town of Muxia is on an ancient Neolithic site, which was a pilgrimage destination since the third century BC. The stone formations were used for initiation and believed to be oracle stones. Cleverly, during the Middle Ages when the area was Christianised the monks (Muxia = Land of the Monks) replaced the stones with Christian symbols.
Here on the main rock formation is the remnants of a medieval chapel.
The legend is that the Virgin Mary appeared to St James in a boat, which arrived at this shore. The monks, using this story, transformed the Piedra d'Albalar or Rocking stone into the image of St James' boat, the Sail stone used for rites of passage became the sail of the boat etc.
View of the port from the chapel ruins.
Pilgrims arriving throughout the day.
At midday the party resumed.
Lots of colourful characters.
This monk representing the town's religious past.
Face painting
The consummate entertainer, engaging with the crowd to sing along.
Big community turn out.
Traditional music taken very seriously.
Savoury pancakes and Pimientos de Padron for lunch as we enjoyed all the action.
Lots of food choices
Pottery demonstration
So many enthusiastic groups
Hours of entertainment.
Hilarious street theatre
Gorgeous family moments
We slipped into a bar for a quiet paella.
Another fascinating day. Overwhelmed by the Galician love of family and tradition. We loved being part of it.
M&M
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