Tradition
Cultural heritage
Cultural heritage
In such an isolated territory, where changes are the exception and occur slowly, old traditions endure naturally.
In Ponga various traditions of undetermined origin are maintained that regulate aspects of daily life, such as the use of communal pastures, the concessions of wood lots for neighbors, the cleaning or conditioning of roads (sextaferia) and the work of caring for livestock.
Alsoén ancient festive traditions are preserved, such as the fiesta del Aguinaldo, celebrated in several ponguetas localities, being the best known that of Beleño. Probably of pre-Roman origin, this festival symbolizes renewal, prosperity and the passage from childhood to adulthood.
In the early morning of New Year's Eve, a draw is held to pair the young men and the young women. The man must make a gift to the girl, and she reciprocates by inviting him to eat. At noon, the young men go out on horseback to visit the houses of the town, asking for the aguinaldo and wishing health and prosperity to the neighbors. Meanwhile, the figure of the Guirria appears, a mythological character disguised with mask and hood, who goes through the streets chasing women to embrace them and men to mark them with ashes. The whole town participates in this party, which culminates with the mozos' dinner organized with the money raised.
The Guirria is an enigmatic character of uncertain origins, linked to the carnival (the Guirrios in the Antroxu) and to the festivities of Roman times, where "guirria" meant "the one who jumps for joy". Its mission is to enter all the houses of the neighborhood to hug and cuddle the girls and women, always with the consent of the men. He makes his way freely, surprising the neighbors when he enters through back doors, windows or corridors.