The Xiringüelu is, originally, a very Asturian dance that has ended up giving its name to an entire festive universe: affectionately, the XirinA collective jolt, a Pravian and Asturian way of getting going long before the first brass band plays. It begins with the preparations of the peñas (local social clubs), with the materials coming and going, with the jokes among friends, the plans of folixa and those robust constructions that gradually take shape until they raise, almost from nothing, an entire festive village.
From Pravia to Prau Salceu
The town of Pravia dons its traditional red neckerchief and gets swept up in a festival that grows by the day: the festivities begin on Thursday afternoon. Xirinfantildesigned to introduce younger people to the tradition; the opening proclamation takes place on Friday, along with the XirinBollu and the subsequent distribution of the stuffed bun; and on Saturday night the PopinazuA sardonic review of the year, to poke fun where necessary and turn the town's current events into laughter. Then comes the moment to assess the work of each group and award prizes. the best booths of this edition. Thus, act by act, little by little, that popular current is formed that pushes Pravia to prau from the party.
On Sundaywhen it arrives the big dayPravia starts to stir early. The parade makes its way through the town and, around midday, the festive tide, with bagpipes, drums and brass bands, heads towards the Prau Salcéu"Where the well-finished booths await their respective groups. The festival then enters its natural territory along the banks of the Nalón."
The essence of xirin
The Xiringüelu as a pilgrimage It began in the 40sIt was started by a group of people from Pravia who wanted to bring back joy and camaraderie during the difficult post-war years. Since then, its spirit of camaraderie and country outings has endured, but always in growing, further perfecting the joy and conviviality that was sought in its origins, making everything more populous and dynamic, on another scale, until it became one of the most famous pilgrimages of the Cantabrian summer.
Encounters and reunions form the natural language of Xiringüelu. He goes from one social club to another.From circle to circle, greeting some, testing the humor of others, and letting Asturian hospitality do its work. We need to moveto accept invitations, and to reciprocate when appropriate by chilling cider, spreading out the tablecloth with empanadas and tortillas, and cooking on-site if she's proud.
The Xiringüelu booths
The booths or “cassettes” They are the hallmark of XirinBefore the big day, the shade has been calculated, logistics prepared, and tasks assigned to erect these structures, which are not simply shelters from the sun or rain, but rather the home of each group, stages for friendship and revelry made with wood, canvas, paint, posters, flags, coolers, tables, food, cider, and a whole lot of pride. Some boast of their decorations, others of their atmosphere, others of their good food, but all equally reinforce the "folixero" spirit of the "village."
The miseries
Among the most well-known peñas is The HangmanBorn from a joke among friends in 1978, when the Xiringüelu festival was still celebrated in the parish of Cañedo. That little figure hanging from a coat hanger not only ended up giving the group its name, but also became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Xiringüelu. Today, when people sing the “Asturias, beloved homeland” in front of hanged, is giving the chupinazu de la folixa and celebrating one of their most cherished traditions. The scene explains everything without needing a manual: you can already begin to xiringar.
The Ahorcau supporters' club has also gone down in history for being the first to have its own jersey. Currently, the shirts of the fan clubs They're a way of saying "I'm from here," "I'm with these guys," "this is my crew." Each one with its own name, drawing, slogan, or joke. prau It thus becomes a parade of colors, ideas, and collective identities. There are new t-shirts, anniversary t-shirts, t-shirts from past editions, and others that now only serve as gang relics.
The Xirinzone
In recent times, the festival has also managed to channel new youthful energies with spaces such as the XirinZoneA large area with amplified music and continuous dancing, designed to let you enjoy the day until your last breath. It's the most festival-like side of the XirinAccess is restricted and requires a ticket. For schedules, access conditions, and details of each edition of Xirinzone and the rest of the festival program, please always consult the updated information at xiringuelu.es
Tips for joining the Xirngüelu
Anyone going to Xiringüelu for the first time It would be wise to know a few things so as not to feel like an outsider (although this is practically impossible). The wisest advice is to start early, listening to the first stirrings of the Sunday festivities and their morning in the town of Pravia. From here on, you just have to let yourself go. The handkerchief helps, of course, because it immediately pulls you into the current of the XirinBut a good one also helps. battle clothes, closed and comfortable shoes and something to protect yourself from the sun or rain.
The Xiringüelu is not to be viewed from the outside, It is experienced from within, participating fully and joining in the flow of the pilgrimage with a positive attitude, good humor and respect by those who have been preparing everything for days. Here, cider is drunk responsibly, food is eaten with substance, singing is practiced, and so on. xiringa And people dance because their bodies crave it; but they also take care of the party as if it were their own, knowing that it belongs to all those who "work" on it and want to see it just as joyful again the following year.
The Xiringüelu is much more than a party prauAnd although it retains the essence of an Asturian pilgrimage, it can no longer function as if it were small. It needs organization, access, cleanliness, security, separate spaces, and a structure capable of accommodating many people without losing its essential character. If you join the party, respect their codes and their soul, Don't use glass cups and, to be able to be, travel by public transport.
Photographs: © Alovisual - Brotherhood of Xiringüelu
