The Santa Compaña · The Procession That Passes at Night

The best-known folk legend in Galicia is the Santa Compaña: a procession of the dead that walks the villages at night, led by a living person — a cross in his hands, feet off the ground, the one living soul among that company of the dead.

The legend says that if you see the procession you must not come close and must not call it by name; after it has passed you should cross yourself over the ground and not lift your foot until the whole line has gone by.

Galicians tell it in an ordinary tone. They say that when you walk at night, do not hurry, and do not push ahead of anyone.

Folklore / Galicia · Spain / Time immemorial