Feast of Fabada
Featured photo: Juan J. Martínez from Valencia, España - Fabada, CC BY-SA 2.0
The traditional Feast of Fabada is a celebration of regional tourist interest in the province of Laurenzá, in Galicia, Spain. This event brings together thousands of people from different parts of the country in order to taste a succulent traditional stew that is part of its gastronomy, but that has special interest from October 2nd to 4th 04 when this event is held.
¿What is the origin of this festivity?
The origin of this festival begins form the 16th century since the consumption of "fabes" is a tradition in Asturias, Spain. It was quite common to plant them in the region. Its cultivation was carried out occupying extensive hectares.
It is believed that this dish may have some influence from the traditional French cuisine, since many of the ingredients used in its preparation are similar to the one called "Cassoulet del Languedoc" and which became popular during the Middle Ages.
For its production, white beans harvested in Asturias are used, hence its name, where some ingredients such as pork, black pudding and sausage which is also made in the Asturias.
It is a typical dish of the region, which enjoys great popularity, to the point of being considered one of the ten most representative culinary specialties of Spanish gastronomy.
¿What does this celebration consist of?
It is an event that attracts the attention of a large number of people throughout Galicia and that from 2020 is considered a Festival of Tourist Interest in this region of Spain.
During the celebration, an open-air market is held where producers from the area can participate, also a large number of stalls and venues are opened where diners can taste different dishes made with fabes.
Among the best known is the fabes stew, fabes with cod or fabes with clams, however, there are many ways to prepare this succulent Asturian dish. All this happens during three days full of much joy, where music and different cultural activities are carried out to make this festivity, something really unforgettable.
¿What to do and what places should you visit in Lourenzá?
A view to this historical and picturesque region of Lourenza will be a true adventure. Cultural and very emblematic places that will allow you to know a little more about its origins, such as the Monastery of San Salvador, the most important monument in this town. There are also churches of great architectural beauty built between the 16th and 18th centuries and bridges like the Cazolga and Ponte da Pedra.
Another important site in Lourenzá is the Museum of Sacred Art, where you can find a collection of paintings made entirely of wood, as well as sculptures and a wide variety of goldsmiths.
In addition, you should not miss a guided tour to the Faba Interpretation Center, where visitors can learn about everything related to this festival, from its origin to the popularity it has reached around the world.
