The queimada: the story of a Galician tradition
Published on 27 October 2026
The queimada gave its name to one of our cases. But before it was a murder mystery, it was a real tradition from Galicia, in north-west Spain. Here is what to know about this drink that is set alight before it is served.
What is the queimada?
The queimada is a hot drink made from orujo (a grape-pomace spirit), sugar, lemon peel and often a few coffee beans. It is prepared in a large earthenware bowl, the pota, then set alight. The bluish flame burns off part of the alcohol while it is slowly stirred with a ladle.
It is then served in small clay bowls, the cuncas.
The conxuro: the incantation
What makes the queimada unique is the ritual around it. While the flame dances, someone recites the conxuro, an incantation in Galician that calls to drive away evil spirits, witches and curses. The lights are often turned off to keep only the blue flame. The atmosphere becomes something special: half party, half ceremony.
When is it drunk?
It is shared at parties with friends or family, at the end of meals, and on certain nights linked to Galician legends. It is a moment of togetherness as much as a little show.
Why we made it a murder mystery
A blue flame in the dark, an incantation against evil spirits, a group gathered around a bowl: it is a perfect crime setting. In La Queimada du Pazo, it is during this ritual, with the lights off, that everything changes.
Do you need to make a real one during the game?
No. A simple candle in a bowl is enough for the midnight scene. If you do make a real flaming queimada, a few essential safety rules:
- never in total darkness;
- outdoors or in a clear space, away from curtains and paper;
- a lid within reach to smother the flame;
- never pour more alcohol onto a lit flame;
- and of course, in moderation, and not for minors.
The host's book reminds you of these precautions. To explore the case's world, read La Queimada du Pazo, a murder mystery in Galicia and who the meigas are.
