The "Ajoblanco" Festival

Every year, on the first Saturday in September, all the people of Almáchar turn out in force to make sure that everything goes perfectly on the day of their now famous “Ajoblanco” Festival, and that all their visitors have a thoroughly enjoyable time.

The main aim of this fiesta is for everyone present to have a taste of this delicious dish (a cold almond and garlic soup), while at the same time providing a chance to discover the town, its products and cuisine.

 

Visitors to the Ajoblanco Festival will see how the townspeople display their antiques right out in the street, almost like a museum: antique farm equipment, cooking utensils and household goods, old linen, and all those items which form part of traditional country life.

As you walk through the town you will see tableaux of figures representing scenes from local culture, and at the same time you can enjoy the almond soup offered by the local people in each neighbourhood and wander around the old Moorish streets of Almáchar.

As night falls, the programme of festivities begins, and these continue far into the night, as you would expect from a typical summer fiesta. First of all, the fandango groups and the band begin to make their way through the streets, while everyone enjoys the cold almond soup, with its grapes, raisins and muscatel wine. More than 3,500 litres of "ajoblanco" soup are ladled out, as well as 500 kg of grapes, 500 litres of wine and 200 kg of raisins.

After a short break, the Flamenco Evening begins, with performances by flamenco singers from all over the province. And after that you can enjoy a popular “moraga” or barbecue serving sardines accompanied by sangria. The “night of the candles” is a popular event which traditionally celebrates the beginning of the grape harvest.

The "ajoblanco" festivities are a combination of good food, culture and “fiesta” which gives visitors the chance to discover the typical traditions of a charming town full of character and history. Come and visit the Fiesta del Ajoblanco, fun for all.

For more information: www.almachar.es

 

 

Its cuisine

Of all the town´s distinctive dishes, "ajoblanco" is the star. However, also worth trying are the baby cabbages, "puchero" (a typical casserole) and gazpacho.

Here´s how you make "ajoblanco": soak the fresh breadcrumbs in water and make a paste with the almonds, the oil and vinegar, salt and a little water until it is smooth and creamy. Add cold water to dilute the cream; chill in the fridge or add some ice cubes to serve.

Ingredients:

150 gr raw almonds
3 garlic cloves
300 gr fresh breadcrumb
1/4 litre refined olive oil
Vinegar and salt (not much)

 

 

Andalucia

 

 

 

The origins of "ajoblanco"

The fiesta dates from the beginning of the last century, when a rural property surveyor knocked on the door of a country dwelling to ask for a drink of water to quench his thirst, and the countrywoman gave him a glass of cold almond and garlic soup. The gentleman so enjoyed it that he put the recipe on display in the Merchants´ Association, and sang the praises of this delicious dish to his friends and acquaintances everywhere.

Did you know that…?
The first fiesta held in the 60s was used by the inhabitants of Almáchar to pressure the authorities who had been invited to the festivities to build a road, today´s MA-149, which connects the town with Malaga. The fiesta has subsequently been held every year, and more and more festive and cultural events have been gradually added to make it more exciting and attractive to visitors; this led to its designation as “Fiesta of National Interest to Tourists in Andalusia” in 1998.

 

Orígenes del Ajoblanco

This cold almond and garlic soup dates from the time of the Moors, who planted the first almond trees in the area, and who made the first gastronomic combinations with these products. Originally known as "almond gazpacho", the later addition of garlic gave rise to this exquisite delicacy which has come to be known as "ajoblanco" to this day.