Ardales

Ardales’s Fiestas and Gastronomy

The most important celebrations in Ardales begin on 15 May. This is the day of San Isidro, the patron saint of the locality who shares this status with the Virgen de Villaverde (Virgin of Villaverde), in whose honour the Feria Grande (Great Fair) is held the first week in September. The fiesta consists of a pilgrimage that is held at the River Guadalhorce reservoir, to where the Virgin is also carried. The Municipal Band accompanies the pilgrims, who, once they are set up next to the water, enjoy a day in the country with no shortage of music, dancing and good food.

The Feria de la Matanza (Slaughter Fair) is held in Ardales on the third Sunday of February. Almost 1,000 kilograms of pork products are given out for free on this festive day. Some 50 people serve tripe, chorizo, black pudding, and stews. At 5 in the afternoon, music and shows provide the entertainment for the party.

In late February, a leading dog show in Andalusia is staged in a 1,600-square-metre marquee. Almost 300 dogs from all the breeds and corners of Spain take part in trials and tests. Of course, this is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dogs compete in different classes: best of breed, puppy, best Spanish-bred, best in show.

The Ardales Flamenco Festival was first held more than thirty years ago, which means it is one of the oldest in the province. A leading festival, it takes place in September, prior to the Virgen de Villaverde festival.

Typical Ardales gastronomy centres especially on a variety of stews in which kid and pork are basic ingredients. Ardaleños are also specialists in porras (soups), although of the local variety, it is true. Gazpacho is another of the most customary dishes in this region. Some of its confectionery that bears mentioning are delicious tortas de almendra and tortas de aceite (almond or olive oil cakes), roscos de vino (a spiral pastry with wine) and empanadillas con cabello de ángel (pies containing candied squash).