Antruido Montaña de Riaño 2026
The Antruido of Montaña de Riaño is one of the most anticipated winter celebrations in the province of León. An ancestral festival that returns every year to fill the streets with traditional characters, music, fire, and local flavors. In 2026, the event will take place on February 14, a date already marked on the calendar for both locals and visitors.
This festival, declared a Provincial Tourist Interest Event, is much more than a carnival: it is a living expression of the traditions of the eastern mountains of León. If you have never experienced it before, this is your chance to discover one of the most authentic celebrations in the region.
Join us to learn what the Antruido is, explore its program, and find out why you should not miss it.
What Is the Antruido of Montaña de Riaño?
The Antruido is an ancient winter masquerade with centuries of history. It was traditionally celebrated in the villages of the Leonese mountains as a ritual marking the transition between winter and spring.
During the festival, symbolic characters such as Domingo Gordo, La Vieya, the Bear, the Zamarrones, and other grotesque costumes roam the streets making noise, provoking laughter, dancing, and recalling the rural and pagan origins of carnival traditions.
One of the most important moments of the Antruido is the burning of the hut, a symbolic structure representing winter, the old, and everything people wish to leave behind. By setting it on fire, the community symbolically purifies itself and welcomes a new cycle.
In Montaña de Riaño, this tradition has been strongly revived thanks to the involvement of local groups such as the Asociación Montaña de Vadinia, which organizes the event together with the Town Council and the Community Council of Riaño.
Antruido 2026 Program: Date, Schedule, and Activities
The celebration will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Throughout the day there will be activities for all ages, combining traditional culture, local gastronomy, and plenty of celebration.
OFFICIAL PROGRAM
12:00 PM – “Candanga” through the bars
The day begins with joy, music, costumes, and masks visiting the bars of Riaño. A lively way to kick off the festivities and warm up the atmosphere.
2:00 PM – Arvejos stew (reservation required)
A traditional communal meal typical of the area, prepared with local ingredients and plenty of mountain flavor. Arvejos stew is one of the signature dishes of the eastern Leonese mountains.
Dessert: hot chocolate with frixuelos
Nothing better than ending the meal with homemade frixuelos accompanied by a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
6:30 PM – Mogiganga parade and burning of the hut
The highlight of the day: a parade featuring the traditional Antruido characters, accompanied by music and a festive atmosphere. The procession moves through the village until reaching the place where the symbolic hut is set on fire.
A Celebration Full of Flavor: Arvejos Stew and Frixuelos
Arvejos stew is a traditional recipe from the Leonese mountains that you should not miss if you visit Riaño during these dates. Arvejos are a local variety of dried peas, slowly cooked with chorizo, blood sausage, pork belly, and other meats, resulting in a hearty and comforting dish.
To finish, the most typical dessert: frixuelos, a kind of crepe or thin pancake served with sugar, honey, or even filled with sweet ingredients. Paired with hot chocolate, they are the perfect ending to a winter celebration.
This menu is available by reservation only, so it is advisable to book in advance to secure a place.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
The Antruido of Montaña de Riaño is not just a festival—it is a unique cultural experience that combines:
Tradition and local identity
High-quality gastronomy
Spectacular landscapes
A warm and welcoming atmosphere
If you are looking for something different to do in February, filled with roots, flavor, and fire… the Antruido is for you.
Experience an Authentic Leonese Tradition
The Antruido Montaña de Riaño 2026 is much more than a carnival. It is a celebration full of history, symbolism, and festive spirit. A day where tradition blends with celebration, the flavors of the mountains mix with the warmth of fire, and the past meets the present.
This February 14, come and experience an authentic celebration in the heart of the Leonese mountains.