Almeria food festivals put fighting bull and Garrucha red prawns on the menu

Food lovers have two distinctive reasons to explore Almeria province this week, with local restaurants celebrating fighting bull meat while Garrucha prepares to put its famous red prawn centre stage. The two gastronomic events run until October 25, combining regional produce with restaurant menus, live music and family entertainment.

Fighting bull dishes served across Almeria

Almeria’s second Gastronomic Week of the Fighting Bull continues until October 25, giving diners several more days to try dishes created with fighting bull meat at restaurants across the province.

Twelve hospitality businesses are taking part, including ten in Almeria city and two in Huercal de Almeria and Olula del Rio. The initiative is organised by the Provincial Association of Hospitality Entrepreneurs of Almeria, Ashal, with support from Almeria City Council and the Provincial Council.

Participating restaurants in the capital include Bodega Las Botas, Quinto Toro, Cerveceria Baviera, Tortilleria La Mala, La Bambalina, La Bellota y el Buey, La Espina, Terraza El Taranto, La Encina and Arrozante at Hotel Barcelo Cabo de Gata in El Toyo. Taller de Sabores in Huercal de Almeria and Rustir Bistrobar in Olula del Rio complete the line-up.

Dishes are served individually or for sharing, depending on each restaurant, and advance booking is essential. Diners should contact their chosen venue directly to reserve.

Ashal president Pedro Sanchez-Fortun said the event highlights a meat with personality and cooking that requires knowledge, time and care.

Now in its second year, the initiative has expanded beyond the provincial capital. Among the participating venues, Bodega Las Botas can be contacted on 950 234 239, La Encina on 950 273 429 and Rustir Bistrobar on 601 995 853.

Garrucha red prawn festival returns for seventh year

Garrucha’s famous red prawn takes centre stage from October 23 to 25 as the town holds the seventh edition of its Gastronomic Festival, combining local food, music and family entertainment.

The festival opens on Friday at around 1:00 PM, when participating restaurants begin serving from their stands. A children’s play area will also be available, while live music starts from 5:00 PM. Food stalls reopen at around 8:00 PM before a local DJ takes over from 11:00 PM.

Saturday’s programme begins at 1:00 PM and includes a children’s showcooking session designed to introduce younger visitors to Garrucha’s celebrated red prawns. Young Charanga performs at around 2:00 PM, followed by a local band later in the afternoon and another DJ session from 11:00 PM.

Giant grills put red prawns centre stage

Sunday puts the red prawn firmly in the spotlight. Giant grills will be fired up to prepare prawns for visitors at popular prices, accompanied by afternoon entertainment before the festival closes.

Tourist visits for small groups are also planned throughout the weekend, giving visitors an opportunity to discover more about Garrucha and its history.

The event has previously attracted substantial crowds. Organisers estimated around 25,000 visitors attended the third edition, when 222 kilos of fresh red prawns were prepared and 1,840 portions served on the Sunday alone.