Kingdom of Navarre. Land of diversity

El Mayo

In Barillas, a locality in southern Navarra, an ancestral tradition based on magic rites is maintained. It is the placing in the Plaza San Miguel, in the centre of the village, of a strong black poplar tree called Mayo. The aim of this ritual is to thank Nature for the germination of seeds and ask for her protection for the village and the crops.

Every year in the month of May, when night falls the people of the locality go out into the country to look for the best poplar. Once in the square, Mayo is planted in a hole and is raised with strong ropes. When the tree has been raised, young men climb it to remove the ropes. After this all those present are invited to a la tasting of traditional products (spicy sausage, cold meats, oil, wine).

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In Barillas and surrounding area

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