Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
There are many who say they find their homeland in food more than in flags and military parades. In Torrevieja, this Wednesday, Constitution Day, gastronomy provided that fraternizing role and served to unite and settle differences between Torrevieja residents in times of political upheaval. What is perhaps the most crowded paella competition in the province seated diners from one side and another at the table to taste and toast a holiday in peace and joy. The hundred groups that presented themselves, under the funniest names, showed off their skill level in hand in order to demonstrate to themselves and to the entire town that they are the best cooks.
Between generous portions of fun, Antonio Soria Park, the scene of this improvised festival while the works in the port last, began to fill with tents from mid-morning. Neither the timid morning rain nor the cool and unpleasant atmosphere – at least compared to those summers that refuse to leave us – dampened the good spirits of these potential Quique Dacostas one bit.
A pile of appetizers were gathered on the table, among which there was no lack of a preview of the balls that will be cooked in many salt homes on the occasion of La Purísima Day. Also sausages, the classic anise pigeon and other dishes such as octopus or fideuá.
A large number of young people also mixed with other gatherings of adults. Among them are the veteran cooks of the ‘Pata Palo’ group. “One shot and we’re off,” said their aprons. In the end they had to stay because their rice drove the jury crazy and dazzled their palates in such a way that they distinguished it as the most delicious in the traditional contest. First prize.
The second award went to ‘Sirla’. Third place went to ‘Arrosame’ and fourth place went to ‘Los Roper’, who posed proudly hand in hand with the queen of the La Mata festivities, Ana Jaramillo. The list of winners was closed in fifth place by the group ‘Los Campechanos’, who were also worthy of the Francisco Gómez ‘El Mudo’ award.
The new saline court also celebrated with the ‘No nos perdemos charamitaso’ crew the award for the best phrase in the t-shirt contest, as well as with the rest of the distinguished people, where the best design was that of ‘Los Tarumbas’ and the most shocking was ‘Queen Consort’.
From there until 7:00 p.m., there is time to enjoy and dance with the mixing console controlled by local DJs and the famous host of the program ‘Anda ya’ from Los 40, DJ San Bernardino. The occasion was also used by the organizers of the ‘Brilla Torrevieja’ festival to reveal their first confirmed face, which will be that of the Malaga singer Ana Mena.
With two of the three celebrations that make up the holy trilogy of the patron saint festivities of Torrevieja already concluded, the only thing left to celebrate is the massive procession of La Purísima on Friday.
Brass bands and parades
Before, tomorrow Thursday, from 12:00, there will be brass bands, parades and patronal cañeo that will depart from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Center and from the Municipal Theater simultaneously. The traditional mascletá that once coincided in the port with the paellas will be in the Plaza de la Constitución at 2:00 p.m. and the charamita will have its last two departures until next year at 12:45 and 5:45 p.m.
With the Lily, the Wolf and the Ogre gang farewell, the sound of the night will be what makes the Palacio de los Deportes resound to the rhythm of the techno-rumba of Camela, worthy successors after the sell-out of Arde Bogotá yesterday Tuesday.
Raising of flags and anthems for Magna Carta Day
The paella macro-festival was preceded by the mandatory events in honor of the 45th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution. The municipal corporation attended an event in the Glorieta tomorrow, where the flag was raised and the anthems of Torrevieja, the Valencian Community and Spain were performed. Afterwards, in the plenary hall, there was an event in which the national flag was presented to the different schools in the city. “Today is a very important day for the people of Torrevieja because we also celebrate the 35th anniversary of the appointment of La Purísima as honorary mayor,” recalled the mayor, Eduardo Dolón.
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