Gijón Natural Cider Festival

What is the Natural Cider Festival

The "Fiesta de la Sidra" (Cider Festival) in Gijón is a popular event celebrated in the city of Gijón, Spain. It is a festivity centered around cider, a traditional beverage made from fermented apples. It is declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest.

For several decades, the Natural Cider Festival enlivens the last week of August, marking the end of summer. Undoubtedly, this festival is one of the great and classic events of Gijón's summer season, featuring a diverse program of activities.

Typical festival activities include:

Cider Pouring: The pouring technique is a traditional Asturian method of serving cider from a height to aerate and enhance its flavor.

• Pourers' Contest: Participants compete to showcase their skill in cider pouring.
• Tastings: Attendees can sample different types of cider, both traditional and modern.
• Local Cuisine: You can find food stalls offering typical Asturian dishes such as "fabada" (bean stew), "cachopo" (breaded stuffed fillets with ham and cheese), and more.
• Music and Dance: Traditional Asturian music and dance are often integral to the celebration.
• Cultural Activities: Exhibitions, talks, and other events highlighting Asturian culture and traditions can take place.

Urban art, ephemeral art, the cider and apple market, pouring courses, the cider bus, visits to iconic cider cellars, the pouring contest, theatrical performances, tavern songs, popular tastings, and award ceremonies are some of the typical activities of a festival that fills the streets and squares with its atmosphere, infusing the entire city with a cider flair.

But what truly stands out is the world record for simultaneous pouring, broken each year on the famous Poniente Beach, adding a unique touch of color and originality to the world.

It's an opportunity for both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in Asturian culture, enjoy the region's hospitality, and savor the iconic drink, cider.

What to See in Gijón

Gijón, a coastal city in Asturias, offers a charming blend of history, nature, and culture.

• San Lorenzo Beach: Enjoy this beautiful urban beach, perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, and a stroll along the promenade.
• Poniente Beach: Another option to enjoy the sea and sand, with a quieter atmosphere and excellent views.
• Gijón Aquarium: Immerse yourself in the marine world with a variety of species and interactive displays, ideal for the whole family.
• Cimavilla (Old Town): Explore the cobbled streets of this charming old neighborhood, where you'll find traditional architecture, cozy bars, and restaurants.
• LABoral Center for Art and Industrial Creation: Discover contemporary exhibitions, art installations, and cultural events at this cutting-edge center.
• Elogio del Horizonte: Marvel at Eduardo Chillida's sculpture atop Sta. Catalina Hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sea.
• Cider Houses: Taste authentic Asturian cider and enjoy traditional dishes at local cider houses, including the famous "cachopo."
• South Market: Immerse yourself in local life by exploring this market, where you'll find fresh produce, fish, and local delights.
• Evaristo Valle Museum: Explore contemporary art and the personal collection of painter and sculptor Evaristo Valle in a stunning natural setting.
• Jardines de la Reina: Relax in these botanical gardens, featuring a variety of plant species and areas for walking.
• Nicanor Piñole Museum: Admire the works of painter Nicanor Piñole and other Asturian artists in this museum dedicated to regional art.
• Jurassic Coast Route: If you're a paleontology enthusiast, visit this route to discover fossils and dinosaur footprints on the coastal cliffs.
• Peñafrancia Riverside Walk: Enjoy a pleasant stroll along the Peñafrancia River, surrounded by nature and beautiful landscapes.

Gijón offers a wide range of activities and places to explore, ensuring a memorable experience during your visit.

What to Eat in Gijón

Gijón is renowned for its rich Asturian gastronomy. Here's a list of popular dishes you must try when visiting the city:

• Cachopo: Cachopo is a typical dish of Asturian gastronomy, known for its generous size and delicious flavour. It consists of two beef fillets stuffed with Serrano ham and cheese, breaded and fried. The result is a juicy dish, crispy on the outside and full of intense flavours on the inside. It is usually served with chips and salad. The basic ingredients of Cachopo are beef fillets, Serrano ham and cheese, although there are also variations with other fillings such as mushrooms, seafood or peppers. It is a hearty and popular dish in Asturian cider houses, where it is enjoyed in company and with good cider. Cachopo is a true delight for meat lovers and a delicious example of Asturian cuisine.
• Fabada Asturiana: A delicious stew made with
• Pote Asturiano: A stew of legumes with bacon, chorizo, and morcilla, similar to a thick soup.
• Asturian Cider: Don't miss the opportunity to try authentic Asturian cider. Learn how to pour it like a local.
• Cabrales Cheese: A strong and flavorful blue cheese typical of the region, perfect for cheese lovers.
• Bollo Preñao: A roll filled with chorizo or pancetta, ideal for a tasty snack.
• Tortos de Maíz: Corn cakes served with various accompaniments such as
• Seafood and Fish: Due to its coastal location, Gijón offers a variety of fresh seafood like mussels, crabs, lobsters, and local fish.
• Arroz con Leche: A traditional dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Casadielles: Sweet pastries filled with walnuts and sugar, a typical treat of the region.
• Frixuelos: Asturian crepes often served with sugar or filled with cream, chocolate, or jam.
• Callos a la Asturiana: Tripe stew cooked with chorizo, morcilla, and other ingredients.
• Pixín a la Sidra: Monkfish cooked in cider, a delicious fish option.
• Apple Desserts: Apple-based products like compote or apple pie are very popular in Asturias.