The Queimada (Galician drinking ceremony)

One of the traditions of the Camino in Galicia is the Queimada. This is  a drink made from Orujo, sugar and fire and very little else. The Orujo (a Spanish liqueur of between 35 - 45% alcohol, made from a distillation of the remains of the wine production) is mixed with sugar and then heated. Once it is hot enough it is set alight, and depending on how long it is allowed to burn much of the alcoholic content is burnt of. Whilst the drink is burning and being drunk an incantation is said, usually in Galician. It is a call to the earth, wind, sea and fire to purify the drink and share it with souls of family and friends who cannot be there to enjoy the queimada.

I have been lucky enough to enjoy this tradition twice. Once on the Camino Portuguese in Padron. 

And once on the Camino Primitivo in San Roman, where it was so cold the warm rink was welcomed by one and all, and the ceremony performed inside.

Quite honestly the drink is still really strong, and not something I'd drink much of, especially when I want to get to Santiago sooner rather than later!