The Orujo Festival

The Orujo Festival is a traditional party of National Tourist Interest that is celebrated in Potes, Cantabria for three days on the second weekend of November to taste a typical liquor of this region.

What is this celebration about?

Consists of the tasting of a liquor known by the name of Orujo and which has been harvested for years in the vineyards of this region.

During the celebration, which lasts for three long days in the month of November, the occasion is used to display all kinds of products in the traditional markets and of course, the parade of the typical mountain costumes, as well as the music, cannot be missed. of this beautiful and picturesque region.

An ancient tradition from the High Middle Ages, where other important events are held, such as the delivery of the "Older Orujeros" award, who are in charge of lighting the Alquitaras. Also, the best production of Orujo that has been harvested in the year is decorated with the award called the "Gold Alquitara".

What are the types of Orujos most manufactured in Potes, Cantabria?

The Cantabrian-made Orujo, properly from the Picos de Europa region, is a traditional drink, which began in an artisanal way in the homes of the locals of this region and that with the passage of time, was regulated to begin to be produced from industrial way.

Currently there are different types of Orujos, which, according to their composition and way of packaging have different names. Thus we have:

• The White Orujo, which is packaged once it has been distilled.
• The Aged Orujo, which needs to remain stored for a year in an oak barrel so that it acquires a very peculiar flavor, color and aroma. After that time, it acquires a golden color. Another type of Orujo is the one obtained by mixing the liquor with other dairy products, which results in a creamier and more condensed drink.
• On the other hand, there is the Aromatized Orujo, which has a very particular flavor due to the substances and herbs that are added in its manufacture.

These three categories are the most popular and attractive to the palate of the most demanding.

What to do and what places to visit in Potes, Cantabria?

Potes has places that can be very attractive to visitors, such as the "Barrio Viejo", where you will find old alleys that connect to two bridges, all this together, in the pure medieval style, which adds charm, beauty and even a certain halo of mystery.

In this peaceful and lovely town you will see churches and the unmissable Monastery of Santo Toribio of Liébana, where an important relic such as the "Lignum Crucis" rests, a fragment of the famous Cross of Christ.

On the other hand, an obligatory place to visit is the "Torre del Infartado" from the fourteenth century and which is currently the Town Hall and an exhibition hall. Other places that stand out are the "Teleferico de Fuente Dé" and the "Cueva el Soplao", which children will especially enjoy.

Gastronomy

As for its gastronomy, do not miss the famous lebaniego stew, a typical dish made with chickpeas and meat, as well as other delicacies such as the popular estrecot or the traditional mountain stew, as well as other beef and fish products that will make your mouth water.