Time for tapas in Guardamar

THE NINTH Guardamar ‘ tapas with history’ tour gets underway tomorrow ( Friday, October 16).

The event runs until October 25 and, this time around, is dedicated to the Baroque history of the municipality, specifically the town’s 1692 independence from Orihuela and the subsequent recovery of its title of Villa Real ( royal town), which it lost in 1364. The privileges that the title bestowed included the municipality’s presence in the courts of the king of Valencia, which was given to the town by Carlos II.

Baroque cuisine was mainly based on the use of poultry and game, such as wild boar, partridge, rabbit and quail. Pork and beef sausages, as well as fish preserves, were also developed at this time.

Stews, roasts, potages, casseroles and pasties were commonplace during this period. There were also a multitude of cake and pastry makers in this era, where the use of chocolate was prominent.

The bars and restaurants participating in the current edition of ‘ tapas with history’ tour will be offering a snack influenced by the gastronomy of this period and a drink for € 2.

A guide giving details of each of the participating outlets, the tapas on offer, and a voting slip for your favourite snack is available from the tourist information office.

People who vote for their favourite tapa will be entered into a prize draw.