On San Lourenzo's Day, Saturday August 10, the ‘María Castaña’ Neighborhood Association, with the collaboration of the A Pobra do Brollón City Council, organizes a pilgrimage with more than 12 hours full of music and festivities in the Castro de San Lourenzo, Cereixa.
It was the residents of Cereixa who were inspired to revive the tradition of carrying the image of San Lourenzo from the church in the center of the town to the hillfort that bears his name in 2016. In that year, archaeologist and fellow resident Xurxo Ayán initiated the first archaeological intervention to investigate and enhance the Castro de San Lourenzo.
A new tradition was created that combines scientific research and popular culture, which has been repeated every year since then. In this edition, the Pilgrimage coincides with an archaeological campaign focused on the excavation of the medieval church and necropolis of the castro. It will be in the ruins of the church where the saint will be placed after the mass and procession, to witness the festival that will be held in his honor.
A whole day in the fort
The day begins at 11 a.m. in the current parish church of Cereixa. After the procession to the castro, with a stop at the Saa River to wet the feet of the saint as tradition dictates, the vermouth session begins with traditional music group Samparasón. There will also be a short performance by the participants of the international work camp who are supporting the archaeological work. This performance will be led by one of the camp's monitors, traditional dance teacher Claudia Fidalgo.
After the vermouth session there is a break in the activities for lunch. At the foot of the fort there will be stands for octopus and barbecue. From 5 pm the program will resume, with guided tour of the excavations carried out by Xurxo Ayán and various workshops for all ages.
Twilight with music
The music returns from 7pm with the proposal of ‘They will be in the Burato dos Moors’. This ‘hole’ is an old mine on the slope of the castro wall that was used as a hideout by the republican professor Don Esteban. There will be a performance with local musicians prepared ad hoc for this very significant scenario.
Afterwards, Claudia Fidalgo will offer a traditional dance workshop, which will be followed by a parade. To gain strength for the party, there will be a pregnant cake stand. At 11 pm there will be a performance by The Show Bass, a rocksteady, R&B and Jamaican soul group. The celebration will continue until after midnight with The Coasters of the Previous Day, a group of DJs from Cumbia.
In the evening, as has been tradition since the beginning of the recovery of the Pilgrimage, an astronomer will come with a telescope for those who dare to observe the night sky and the stars. tears of Saint Lawrence.
