Summer invites us to share with friends and family great evenings and dinners outdoors on the terraces, beaches... And in La Vila Joiosa, in these evening gatherings there is no lack of pebrereta. It is the quintessential Vila dish and its main ingredient is the "calabaza vilera" (Vila pumpkin).
At the beginning of the 90s, in the last century, the festival committee of the traditional Barrio del Poble Nou decided to introduce a competition of this traditional dish into its programme of events. With the passing of time this Concurs de Pebrereta, which takes place at the beginning of June, has become one of the most popular culinary competitions in the municipality, and has earned its place in "La Vila Gastronómica".
While the cooks-competitors prepare the Pebrereta, with the ingredients provided by the organisers: green peppers, tomatoes, garlic, vilera squash, sweet paprika and santgatxo (a part of the tuna that is preserved in salt and originally had little commercial value), the groups of friends and entertainers share snacks and a giant pebrereta with all those who come along to share the evening.
This competition, as well as being a gastronomic event, is a deeply-rooted social event that brings together hundreds of locals in the Plaça de la Llum, a charming little square in the neighbourhood, to enjoy an evening full of music, fun and good food.
The Concurs de Pebrereta gives us the opportunity to visit La Vila Joiosa and share an experience of tradition, flavour and festivity.
