Veiga do Seixo facts for kids
Veiga do Seixo is a small village in the area of Riós, found in the province of Ourense in Galicia, which is in north-western Spain. This village has a special connection to Portugal because a bridge crosses the Mente River, linking the two countries. Long ago, this bridge was often used for secret trade and moving goods without official permission.
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About the Village
Veiga do Seixo is part of a larger area called the parish of Castrelo de Cima. Other small villages like Covelas, O Mourisco, and San Payo are also in this parish. The village is right on the border with Portugal, near a place called Cisterna.
Weather in Veiga do Seixo
The village and the area around Riós have a special kind of weather called a Mountain-Mediterranean climate. This means winters are cold, and summers are very dry and hot. Sadly, during the hot summers, big fires can sometimes happen in the area.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Veiga do Seixo is home to many interesting plants and animals.
Local Plants
You can find trees like the holm oak (which is a type of oak tree), the turpentine tree, and the Montpellier Maple.
Local Animals
Many birds live here, such as the European bee-eater, the red-rumped swallow, and the European roller. There's also a special kind of gecko called Tarentola mauritanica, which is quite rare to find in other parts of Galicia.
Village History and People
The number of people living in Veiga do Seixo changed a lot in the past. During the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, many people moved away from the village. This happened in many villages across Galicia. People often moved to bigger cities in Spain, like the Basque Country, Catalonia, and Madrid, to find work. Some also moved to countries like Switzerland and Argentina. Argentina was even called the "fifth Galicia" because so many people from Galicia moved there!
Today, most people living in the village are over 65 years old. There are not many young people, and it can be hard for them to find jobs or build a career in the village.
Getting Around
There are no public buses or trains in Veiga do Seixo. The only way to travel around is by private taxi. The closest train station is A Gudiña, which is about 20 kilometers away.
Fun Traditions and Festivals
The village celebrates its main festival on July 26th and 27th. This celebration honors Santa Ana, who is the village's special patron saint. Locals lovingly call her Santiña. The celebrations are made possible by money collected from everyone in the village.
Before the music starts at the festival, it's a tradition to prepare a special, mystical drink called Queimada. While making it, people say a magic chant to keep away bad luck, evil spirits, and witchcraft.
Long ago, the village also had a big carnival celebration. People would make their own masks and costumes, which were called vellaróns. Even though these carnival traditions were lost over the years, the church in Riós is now trying to bring them back as part of the famous Carnaval of Verín.
Things to Do
Even though Veiga do Seixo is a small village, it has some nice things to offer. You can explore the European Route of the Chestnut, which is a special path. In the summer, there's a river pool where you can cool off. It's also the only village in the area that has two bars, and both of them also sell groceries!
See also
In Spanish: Veiga de Seixo para niños
