Tradition says that, until the end of Shrove Day, the "Galheiro" has to burn completely so that there will be good harvests. The "Queima do Galheiro" will take place on the night of the 21st February in Ferreirinhos and Sapugal/Quinta, in Fradelos parish, marking the end of the carnival festivities and the beginning of the Lenten season. The haystack burns from 22h00onwards.
The burning of the "Galheiro" is an ancient manifestation related to "Entrudo", to which are associated rituals of purification and expulsion of the evil forces of winter, beginning the renovating period of Lent. Over several days, in various places in the parish, the population takes to the streets piling up the remains of the sowing of seeds, old tree branches and brambles, around a pine trunk (galheiro), on top of which a dummy called "entrudo" is placed and set on fire. The antlers reach up to 15 metres in height and there is a contest between the places in the parish to see who burns the biggest antler.
Besides this popular tradition, the XXIV Fradelos Carnival Parade will also take place on the same day, organised by the youth association, Koklus, an entity that also promotes the "Galheiros" competition. For the promotion of these activities, the association counts with the support of IPDJ - Portuguese Institute for Sports and Youth, the Municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Fradelos Parish Council and local companies.
The carnival procession starts at 14h30 in Largo dos Reis, and the awards ceremony and the end of the procession will take place in the Elementary School of Valdossos.
Carnival festivities in Arnoso, Riba de Ave and Ribeirão
The carnival spirit will also fill with colour and joy the parishes of Arnoso (Santa Eulália), Riba de Ave and Ribeirão, which will promote parades on Sunday, February 19, in the afternoon.
The 38th Arnoso Santa Eulália Street Carnival Parade, promoted by the Arnoso Sports and Cultural Association (ADC), will start next to Café Extremo, at 14h30, and will go through several streets of the parish, ending at the ADC multipurpose hall.
In Riba de Ave, the Foliões Circuit starts at 14h00. The initiative, which is in its 7th edition, is organized by the Junta de Freguesia (parish council), however, it is the responsibility of the associations to promote it and make it happen. The concentration will take place near the Parish Church.
Ribeirão will host the 17th Grand Carnival Parade of the Ribeirão Village, organized by the Recreational, Cultural and Sports Association of Graxa, which will start in Aldeia Nova, at 14h00, and finish in front of the Parish Council headquarters, where the prizes will also be given.
