Gran Festa de la Calçotada de Valls

Event date:
Sunday 28th January 2024

Event location:
Town of Valls in Catalunya - 1 hour from Barcelona



Gran Festa de la Calçotada de Valls is a renowned and festive event that takes place in Valls on the last weekend of January every day to celebrate a traditional Catalan culinary delight known as calçots. Calçots are a type of green onion, typically harvested in winter, that are grilled and enjoyed with a romesco sauce. The calçotades were started in Valls and that is why it is known as the the city of origin of the calçotada. Calçot de Valls has the qualification of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). They have become one of the national foods of Catalonia

The Calçotada festival, held annually in Valls, Catalonia, is a lively affair that usually takes place between January and April, coinciding with the calçot harvest season. The main highlight of the celebration is the communal calçotada, a social gathering where locals and visitors come together to enjoy an abundant feast of grilled calçots.

During the festival, large outdoor grills are set up, and calçots are cooked over open flames until they become tender and slightly charred. Participants then engage in the unique tradition of peeling off the outer layers of the calçots before dipping them into romesco sauce, a flavorful blend of tomatoes, red peppers, almonds, garlic, and olive oil.

The Gran Festa de la Calçotada de Valls is not just about the culinary experience; it's a cultural celebration marked by music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere. Local restaurants and food stalls participate in the event, offering a variety of traditional Catalan dishes. The festival often includes live performances, parades, and activities for all ages, making it a memorable and authentic Catalan experience for both locals and tourists.

Highlights:
Plaça de l'Oli demonstrations of cooking calçots on the grill. Plaça del Blat, a Calçots Cultivators Competition and a Calçotada de Valls Salsa Competition with demonstrations of how the typical romesco salsa is made. There will also be a Calçotada Sauce Demonstration for Celiacs and those intolerant to nuts. At one o'clock in the afternoon, on Plaça del Pati, the Calçot Eating Contest will begin. This is a contest to find out who can eat the most calçots in a predetermined time. At the beginning of the contest, there will be a human towers display. At two in the afternoon, winners of the Calçot Growers Contest, Valls Calçotada Salsa Contest and Calçot Eating Contest will be awarded. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Plaça del Pati, there will be a sales and tasting area for Salses Fruits, Castell d'Or and Europastry products.

Visit the website Gran Festa de la Calçotada de Vall for full programme of events.

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