When you think of Christmas, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the figure of Santa Claus or the Three Wise Men, fantastic characters that deliver joy and illusion to the little ones. But many territories have their own particular icons that embody this festivity. In this article we will talk about the Apalpador, Galicia’s own Santa Claus.
He is also known by the name of ‘Pendigueiro‘ and, as in other Christmas legends, he brings gifts to children at this time of the year. His origin goes back to rural traditions in the mountainous areas of the community, particularly in the province of Lugo, and he is well known in the regions of Os Ancares, Lemos, Sarria and Quiroga.
Unlike Santa Claus, who has his roots in the legend of St. Nicholas and the myths of northern Europe, the Apalpador is a being linked to the land and the work of the countryside.
This character is a giant old man who works as a coalman, with a long red beard, a beret, a green jacket and a pipe in his hand.He lives in the mountains, far from civilization, and comes down to the villages on the night of December 24 or 31 while collecting chestnuts. Legend has it that he visits the houses where there are children and feels their bellies to see if they have eaten enough and leaves them some chestnuts on their bedside table so that they have a nice treat.
In contrast to Santa Claus or the Three Wise Men, who are associated with the giving of material gifts, the Apalpador represents a simpler concept rooted in the survival of rural families. Instead of bringing toys, he carries chestnuts as a symbol of abundance and good luck for the coming year, a message of hope that there will never be a lack of food on the table in difficult times.
View this post on Instagram
The resurgence of the legend
The figure of the Apalpador fell into oblivion for many years, but the tradition has resurfaced in recent decades and has adapted to modern times. He no longer brings only chestnuts, but also more common gifts such as his seasonal companions, and punishes naughty children without leaving them anything.
This renaissance has been thanks to the efforts of local associations and organizations that have promoted stories and festivities for the little ones to get to know this endearing giant. In fact, there is a website, Apalpador.gal, whose mission is to provide information about him and even several examples of activities.
Today, the Apalpador has become an emblem of Christmas celebrations in Galicia, representing the value of keeping roots alive and transmitting to new generations a sense of belonging to a culture of their own. Every year, this good-natured giant comes down from the mountains to make the little ones happy and leaves behind a message of prosperity and joy.
View this post on Instagram
0 Comments