Museo Galego do Entroido

Museo Galego do Entroido is Galicia's only museum dedicated entirely to carnival, housed in Xinzo de Limia, a town famous for running the longest carnival season in Europe. It occupies the town's former market hall (Praza de Abastos) on Dous de Maio street, restored specifically to hold the collection. The museum opened in 2015, closed for a few years between 2017 and 2019, and reopened once management passed to the Ourense Provincial Council.

What is on display inside?

The rooms are filled with masks, mannequins and costumes representing the many characters of Galician carnival tradition. The centerpiece exhibition brings together outfits from the region's most recognized carnival figures: the Peliqueiro of Laza, the Cigarrón of Verín, and the local Pantalla of Xinzo de Limia — a character so central that the town's carnival association, headquartered in the museum, takes its name from it. Old carnival floats used in past parades are also part of the collection.

Why is Xinzo de Limia's carnival so distinctive?

The entroido of Xinzo de Limia traces back to pre-Christian agrarian rituals: noisy rites meant to chase away winter and welcome spring's fertility. Since 2019 the festival has held the status of Fiesta de Interés Turístico Internacional, placing it among Spain's most significant carnivals. The celebration unfolds across five consecutive Sundays — Fareleiro, Oleiro, Corredoiro, the core Entroido (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday), followed by the Enterro da Sardiña and Domingo de Piñata — and the museum is where visitors can make sense of each stage outside the actual carnival weeks.

How much does it cost and when can you visit?

Admission is free. The museum welcomes visitors Thursday through Sunday and on public holidays, from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 19:30, with extended hours during the summer months. Free guided tours are also available with advance reservation — worth arranging ahead by phone or email, especially for groups.

Who should visit?

The museum is a natural stop for anyone drawn to folklore, anthropology and Iberian traditions, and it's especially useful for travelers passing through Galicia outside of February who still want to experience the spirit of entroido without waiting for carnival season. The collection is compact, so a visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, making it easy to fit alongside other stops in Ourense province.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is admission to Museo Galego do Entroido free? Yes, entry is free, and guided tours are also offered at no cost with prior reservation.

Which carnival characters are represented in the museum? The exhibition features costumes of the Peliqueiro of Laza, the Cigarrón of Verín, and the local Pantalla of Xinzo de Limia, along with traditional floats and masks used in the parades.

Where exactly is the museum located? It sits in the town's former market hall at Dous de Maio street 29, in Xinzo de Limia, Ourense province.

Is the museum open year-round or only during carnival season? It operates all year, Thursday through Sunday and on holidays, with longer summer hours, so there's no need to time a visit around the carnival itself.