Flamenco Cork Festival of Genal Valley
What the Flamenco Cork Festival of Genal Valley is about
It was at the Castle of Águila where, in the spring of '97, a Flamenco Verbena was celebrated with enthusiasts from the region, marking the beginning of what would later become the Flamenco Cork Festival of Genal Valley.
Due to the success of this Flamenco Verbena, it was decided to develop an annual Flamenco Singing Festival, taking the name "del corcho" (of the cork) from the festival of 2003, as it coincides with the cork oak uncorking season, a native tree of our mountains.
The organizers chose to commission the poster design to artists residing in Gaucín, thus promoting the potential of local artists while still including foreign artists settled in Gaucín.
The Flamenco Cork Festival of Genal Valley is declared a Provincial Touristic Singular Event, by the full session of the Provincial Government of Málaga on June 22, 2004, and is one of the most renowned celebrations in the province of Málaga.
Towns of Genal Valley
Algatocín, Benadalid, Benalauría, Benarrabá, Cartajima, Faraján, Genalguacil, Igualeja, Jubrique, Júzcar, Parauta, and Pujerra. These are the towns that form the beautiful Genal Valley, located in the province of Málaga.
What to see in Genal Valley
The Genal Valley offers a great variety of natural, cultural, and gastronomic attractions to enjoy. Some of the things you can see and do in this charming region include:
- Hiking routes: Explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through the valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views and the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. There are also several Vías Ferratas for height lovers.
- White villages: Visit the picturesque white villages with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and traditional architecture that will transport you back in time.
- Outdoor art in Genalguacil: Discover the village of Genalguacil, known as the "Artists' Village" due to its streets adorned with outdoor artworks, the result of the famous Artists' Encounter held every two years.
- Local gastronomy: Taste the delicious local cuisine, including traditional dishes such as soups, migas (breadcrumbs), cured meats, cheeses, and typical desserts.
- Birdwatching: For nature lovers, the valley offers a wide variety of birds to observe, including birds of prey and native species.
- Local festivals: If you have the opportunity, take part in some of the local festivities that celebrate unique cultural traditions.
- Natural landscapes: Enjoy the natural beauty of the valley with its forests of chestnut, cork oak, and holm oak trees.
- Local products: Take the chance to purchase local products such as honey, chestnuts, wine, and olive oil, which showcase the agricultural richness of the area.
Strolling through the villages: Simply walking through the narrow and charming alleys of the towns in the Genal Valley is an experience in itself, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authenticity and magic of this region.
What to eat in Genal Valley
In the Genal Valley, you can delight in a delicious traditional cuisine that reflects the culinary richness of the region. Some typical dishes and foods that you must try are:
- Soups and stews: Enjoy homemade soups and traditional stews prepared with fresh and local ingredients. Notable examples include fennel soup, wild asparagus soup, and chestnut stew.
- Migas: Genal Valley's migas are a delicacy. Made with bread, garlic, olive oil, bacon, and chorizo, they are a comforting and flavorful dish.
- Cured meats: Try the local cured meats, such as lomo en manteca (pork loin in lard), chorizo, and salchichón, which are renowned for their quality and taste.
- Cheeses: The region produces delicious cheeses, especially those made from goat's and sheep's milk. Don't hesitate to taste them.
- Game meat: In some local restaurants, you can find dishes made with game meat, such as deer or wild boar, reflecting the hunting tradition of the area.
- Desserts: The typical desserts are a delight. Try almond pastries, borrachuelos (liqueur-infused pastries), tortas de chicharrones (pork crackling cakes), and, of course, roasted or sweetened chestnuts. Desserts made with chestnuts from the valley, such as candied chestnuts, are also a treat for the palate.
- Honey: The Genal Valley is famous for its quality honey, collected from local beehives and with unique flavors and nuances.
- Wine: The region also produces local wines that are worth tasting, especially the full-bodied and characterful red wines.
Make the most of your visit to the Genal Valley to enjoy the authenticity and diversity of its cuisine, where local products and traditional recipes will provide you with a unique and delicious culinary experience.
