Estepona tuna festival: Traditional tuna-cutting spectacle, food tastings and live music

Estepona is preparing for a celebration of traditional Spanish seafood with the return of its Ronqueo del Atún festival on Saturday, November 14.

This second year of the gastronomic event will take place from 12.30pm in the open area beside Restaurante La Escollera, close to Estepona’s fishing port. Visitors can watch an expert demonstrate the centuries-old art of cutting up a whole tuna before enjoying a selection of dishes and live entertainment. The town has recently hosted other popular food events, including its Estepona Cheese and Gastronomic Fair.

But what exactly is a ronqueo?

The word is associated with the Spanish verb “roncar”, meaning ‘to snore’. It describes the distinctive scraping or rasping sound made when a specialist knife passes along the backbone of a tuna during the cutting process. The official tourism information from Barbate, where the tuna fishing boats originate from, explains the origins of the name and its connection with traditional tuna preparation.

A ronqueo is much more than simply filleting a fish. It is a traditional skill requiring considerable knowledge of the anatomy of the tuna, allowing the specialist, known as a ronqueador, to separate the fish into its different cuts. Each section has its own culinary use, with some particularly prized for their texture and flavour.

Carlos López, known as ‘Ronqueador’, will lead the demonstration at the Estepona event, giving visitors an opportunity to see the technique at close quarters.

Delicious tuna-based treats

Food will be another major attraction, with a selection of tuna specialities including tartare, carpaccio, mojama (salt-cured tuna), rice dishes and traditional gildas. Visitors will also find specialist tuna preserves and salted products, while pastries from Los Verdiales will provide a local sweet touch.

Live music will come from Tarifa Plana, adding to the atmosphere of the afternoon. Organised by world-famous Restaurante La Escollera, the event is supported by Estepona Town Hall and the local Fishermen’s Guild, among other organisations. It follows a series of gastronomic celebrations in the town, including Estepona’s gourmet burger festival.

Admission is free, although visitors should check whether individual food tastings are charged separately. The organisers expect considerable interest in the event.