La Santa Compana

The Santa Compaña ("Holy Company") is probably one of the most deep-rooted mythical beliefs in rural Galicia, and also in Asturias, where it is called Güestia. It is also known under the names of "Estadea", "Estantiga'" (estantigua in Spanish, from Latin hostis antiquus, confounding the meaning of "ancient enemy", a euphemism for the Devil, and "host", a military troop), "Rolda", "As da noite" [The Night Ones], "Pantalla", "Avisóns", "Pantaruxada"... all of these are terms that show us the presence of the dead in the world of the living.