The Network of Medieval Cities and Towns will celebrate its XVI Contest of Medieval Pintxos and Tapas in the beautiful Castilian-Manchegan town of Sigüenza on October 26th. Six chefs, each representing the cities and towns that are part of the Network, will compete for the title of medieval chef 2024. This year, the event coincides with the IX Centenary of the reconquest of Sigüenza, a significant event in the city’s history, which took place on January 22, 1124 under the leadership of Bishop Bernardo de Agén.
Sigüenza, which is celebrating this important anniversary in various ways, will host the culinary competition at the Municipal Art Center. The contestants had to previously win local contests in their respective cities to reach the final. This contest has the particularity that chefs cannot use ingredients that came after the discovery of America, such as potatoes, tomatoes, or avocados, forcing them to use their creativity and knowledge of modern techniques to create their dishes.
In this edition, participants will include Íñigo Tizón from Bar Gran Sol in Hondarribia (Gipuzkoa); Cristian Solana from El Puntido Restaurant in Laguardia (Álava); Jorge Ruiz Luzuriaga from Bar Restaurant Florida in Estella-Lizarra (Navarra); María Rello from Bar Las Piscinas in Almazán (Soria); and Sergio Bajá from Bajá Restaurant in Pelegrina-Sigüenza (Guadalajara).
During the weekend of October 26 and 27, the public will also be able to enjoy the medieval pintxo route in six bars and restaurants in Sigüenza and its surroundings, at a price of 4 euros each pintxo, accompanied by a drink.
The IX Centenary offers a perfect opportunity to explore the rich history of Sigüenza, from its Celtiberian, Roman, Visigoth, and Muslim past, to its charming medieval historic center. Architectural gems such as the castle, the Casa del Doncel, and the churches of San Vicente and Santiago, along with the majestic southern facade of the Cathedral and the surroundings of the Main Square, are some of the city’s attractions.
The Network of Medieval Cities and Towns is an initiative that brings together seven municipalities from Spain and Portugal, with a significant medieval heritage: Almazán (Soria), Estella-Lizarra (Navarra), Hondarribia (Gipuzkoa), Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz), Laguardia (Álava), Marvão (Portugal), and Sigüenza (Guadalajara). Its aim is to promote the rich historical legacy of these towns through events such as the International Contest of Medieval Pintxos and Tapas and the sports tourism project Red-Corriendo el Medievo, which combines history with the practice of sports. Another noteworthy initiative is En Clave de RE-D, which organizes concerts in the different medieval cities and towns.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
