Every Thursday, the Barceló Market in Madrid is transformed into an authentic Asturianparty. You can’t miss the cider, unlimited wine and beer in an open bar until midnight, as well as seafood, northern tapas and live music.
This is La gran espicha de La Chalana, a plan that costs 22 euros and allows you to immerse yourself in the Asturian tradition. The restaurant where it is held is La Chalana, specialized in the gastronomy of the Cantabrian region, with typical dishes such as cachopo and a great variety of seafood. You can try king prawns, spider crabs, lobster, mussels or grilled scallops, among many others.
La espicha: an Asturian festival
The espicha is a party that goes beyond food, as its essence is to celebrate friendship and socializing around the cider culture. Its name comes from the wooden stake (the “espicha”) that was used to cover the hole in the barrel through which the cider comes out.
It used to be done in the cider presses, the places where the cider is produced, in order to taste the new productions before bottling them and thus correct possible defects. Nowadays it is celebrated in any cider house and the tradition of drinking directly from the barrel is maintained.
In addition, the drink is accompanied by a menu with tapas from the area, such as chorizos, cooked pork shoulder, omelette, boiled eggs, cecina, cod, Asturian cheeses or empanadas, among others.
From Asturias to Madrid
Madrid welcomes this Asturian tradition in La gran espicha de La Chalana, a day that can be enjoyed every Thursday at the Mercado Barceló. It is located in the Centro district and can be easily reached from the Alonso Martínez metro stop (lines 10, 4 and 5) and from Tribunal (lines 10 and 1).
Tickets are aimed at those over 18 years of age and can be purchased for both 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm starts, in both cases for a price of 22 euros. Until 00:00 hours there is an open bar, so it will not be necessary to pay more to enjoy cider, wine or beer.
Flavors with live music
The saxophonist Liceth Sazo Dj will be in charge of putting music to the party. She has experience in all kinds of events, from romantic music for wedding celebrations to electronic, jazz or modern versions of music that can be danced at an event.
The latter will be her proposal for La Gran Espicha de La Chalana, bringing energy, rhythm and fun to the celebration.