Chestnut Festival in Pujerra
Every year, at the end of October or the beginning of November, the Chestnut Festival takes place in the village of Pujerra, a celebration that allows you to enjoy musical events, dances and the tasting of the exquisite gastronomy made with freshly harvested chestnuts.
What does the Pujerra Chestnut Festival consist of?
Pujerra borders the Western Costa del Sol, its chestnut and pine forests extend to the bottom of the Genal Valley. When autumn arrives, this forest becomes a spectacle, because it is transformed into shades of brown, yellow and ochre by the falling leaves of the chestnuts, and is known as the Bosque de Cobre (Copper Forest).
At the end of October or beginning of November, the harvesting of this emblematic fruit comes to an end and the Chestnut Festival begins, which usually coincides with the day of the Virgen de Fátima, the patron saint of the municipality.
The Chestnut Festival is celebrated with music and dances, as well as the tasting of a large number of dishes made with this fruit, among them are those that cannot be missed, which are the tostones and the mistela de Pujerra.
On the other hand, the Town Hall is responsible for organising a series of recreational events that complement the Chestnut Festival every year, so that both locals and visitors can enjoy all the events that make up this celebration.
Why is the Chestnut Festival celebrated?
The origin of the Chestnut Festival is related to the ancient meetings that the chestnut gatherers used to celebrate every time the chestnut harvesting period was over.
During these celebrations, the chestnut growers would light bonfires to prepare the traditional and exquisite chestnut toasts and dance popular dances until nightfall.
Pujerra is a village well worth seeing, don't miss these tourist visits
The surroundings of Pujerra, located in the Genal Valley, are a true marvel for the senses. If you are lucky enough to be there in autumn, you won't believe your eyes. Get your camera ready because you won't stop shooting. These are just two of the things you can see:
- Church of the Holy Spirit. It is a beautiful structure dating back to the 16th century, full of history, it is located in the main square of Pujerra.
- Bentomí Path. If you are a nature lover, after the Hermitage of San Antonio de Padua begins a small path that you can walk along in just 30 minutes and you will be delighted by a landscape full of chestnut and cork oak trees.
Gastronomy in the Genal Valley
Pujerra's gastronomy is closely linked to the products of the land, with simple dishes and village stews, although you can also find more elaborate dishes that combine local and international flavours. We would like to highlight some of the essential dishes:
- Fennel stew: Almost unknown in the rest of the country, this dish is prepared with fennel sprouts that abound in the land, with a special aroma and flavour.
- Chestnut stew: The main ingredients of this delicious stew are chestnuts and chickpeas, it is very popular during the chestnut festival.
- Sopas refritas: Delicious soup that is characterised by frying some products from the garden, just before adding them to the bread cut in pinches.
- Sweets and desserts: Before leaving Pujerra, remember to try its homemade fritters and doughnuts.
- Mistela: A liqueur made with brandy, toasted almonds and coffee. It is used to accompany chestnut toasts.
