Cómpeta

Cómpeta’s Fiestas and Gastronomy

On 20 January, the day of the town’s patron saint –Saint Sebastian–, the Feria del Barrio (Neighbourhood Fair) is held next to the chapel of the saint, who is carried in a procession after the local residents have enjoyed a picnic meal. On the day of San Blas (February) the "bendición de las roscas" ("blessing of the rosca pastries") is celebrated in the parish church. Loops can still be placed through the rosca with which to carry it around the neck after it is blessed, so that, whoever wears it, according to tradition, is protected against throat disorders.

On the day of La Cruz (3 May), the townspeople come on foot to the area known as Cruz del Monte, where a picnic is held and the townspeople bring a flower cross with them. The day of San Juan is the day to "sanjuanear" ("celebrate Saint John"), which in Cómpeta usually means a meal in the country with friends and family. In early September (6 and 7) bonfires are lit at different points in and round the town in what is known as "Día de las Lumbres" ("Day of the Fires"). It concludes with a small street party.

One of the most remarkable events during Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the Vía Crucis (Way of the Cross) on Good Friday, which begins at seven in the morning. This celebration is also known as "Procesión de los hombres" ("Men’s Procession"), since only males participate in it. At night the Soledad parade, or "Procesión de las mujeres" ("Women’s Procession") takes place. In this parade, the statue of the Virgin is accompanied exclusively by women.

And finally, although not in chronological order, mention must be made of "La Noche del Vino" ("Wine Night", 15 August), a celebration that took shape in 1975 although its origin is extremely ancient, from the time when it was customary before going out to the farmsteads and vineyards for the grape harvest to have a "farewell party". Years ago, there was dancing of local Cómpeta fandangos and consumption of wine, brandy and nuts and dried fruits until the wee hours.

Nowadays "La Noche del Vino" is a fully-fledged folk festival attended by thousands of visitors who know they are assured of shows, fun and the opportunity to consume typical local products. On this day, one can see how wine is traditionally made in a treading container in the Plaza de la Vendimia while tasting migas, grapes, salad, cod and locally made sweet wine for free, and listening to verdiales and fandangos. A Medieval-like street market is set up that sells handmade wine, pottery, traditional sweets, fashion jewellery, etc. In the evening, the Plaza Almijara puts on the cante flamenco show, which go on until the wee small hours. The stage is decorated in the style of a typical Andalusian country house. The festival has been designated National Fiesta of Tourist Interest in Andalusia and is considered the most important traditional festival in the province of Málaga.

Dealing as we are with a wine-producing region, there is no way not to mention its wines first in this section. Its varieties of muscatel, semisweet and dry, are known inside and outside the province of Málaga, such is the quality of these vintages. Speaking strictly of the culinary arts, potaje de hinojos (fennel stew) and migas (a dish made of bread crumbs) are the most characteristic dishes of the region. Lomo al ajillo (grilled pork loin with garlic), choto (kid), la asadura a lo pastoril (a dish made of liver, potatoes and seasonings) and potajes de vigilia (stews made with chickpeas, potatoes, codfish and vegetables) complete the varied cuisine of Cómpeta.