What's the story:

If you want to do a sack race, break mud pots or see how the olives are picked up in a traditional way, you have an appointment at the Olive Oil Celebration of La Fatarella.

Between November and mid December, the majority of Catalan villages with olive oil tradition celebrate the arrival of the new oil. At La Fatarella (with olive oil of the Protected Denomination of Origin Terra Alta), they focus specially on rooted traditions as the typical Clotxa breakfast.

Years ago, the farmers used to carry with them a typical meal – the Clotxa- when they spent a whole day out on the field. It consisted of round bread with tomatoes, sardines, salamis, sausages and a good stream of olive oil. A really consistent breakfast!

With a full belly, the children can go out to pull the rope, take eggs from one place to the other with a spoon in their mouth or break pots. After breakfast, it’s time for the traditional games.

On finishing the games, you can have a look at the traditional technique of picking up olives, on your knees and with quick fingers. In the afternoon, you have two options: for those of you who like walking, you can follow the guide tour trough the ancient carters of La Fatarella and visit an old oil mill. But if you have small chefs at home, take advantage of the oil cake workshop for children from 4 up to 12 years. They will even get a cooking hat as a gift!

A day with plenty of tradition!

 

Timetable:

At the beginning of December, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 19:00.

Price:

Clotxa Breakfast: 3€

The best season:

winter

Lunch tips:

If you spend the day in La Fatarella, you can have lunch at the Casa Ecològica (Camí Mare de Déu del Carme, tel: 977 413605). The restaurant with a wide green zone, offers a local cuisine of La Fatarella and of the Terra Alta, with dishes like the omelet in juice, romesco and the sardine in juice.

More info:

Ayuntamiento de La Fatarella
Plaza Major, 7
Tel: 977 413 609

Programme 2008

Photo: © Ajuntament de La Fatarella