Danza de San Roque de O Hío
This dance dates back to the 16th century, when it may have been performed as a sign of appreciation to a Saint or as a celebration of the local nobility. It takes place in an area of spectacular views over the estuary around some significant monuments of O Hío, including a cruceiro (a stone cross), the church of San Andrés and the rectory. During the dance, men wear white costumes with a felt hat and a black tie, while women wear clothes similar to the traditional wear of people on pilgrimage to Compostela. This is why the dance is also known as the ‘Pilgrims dance’.
Features
Trivia The guide of the dance must be from O Hío and no new members can be added until one of the current dancers leaves.Origin and history There are different theories about its origin, including people showing appreciation to the Saint for ending a plague that destroyed the region and people replicating dances from the local nobility. Another theory suggests it has Greek origins. Itineraries and main events during its celebration The dance steps are counted by the guide or ‘butler’, who is always the oldest member. The dancers follow the rhythm of the bagpipes, the drums (in the past, a box) and the castanets. It begins after the Solemn Mass and the procession, and the contradance is performed when they carry the Saint back to the church. The difference between the two is the speed of the movements.
- Descripción del entorno: Rural
- Responsible body: Danzas do Hío Association
- Declaration of tourist interest: Galician
Date of event
- Date of: 16/08/2019
Access
- Accesos a pie: Sí
- Accesos para vehículos privados: Sí
- Los accesos al recurso están adaptados para personas con discapacidad: Sí
- Las infraestructuras del recurso están adaptadas para personas con discapacidad: Sí