Amaguestu

Well, I've been a little lax with my postings lately. Forgive me - life kinda took over. We have been busy just getting on and enjoying it!
Anyway, here is our latest post.

Autumn is here and around every corner there are piles of apples by the roadside ready to be loaded on to the transport and then on to the sidre houses. There are chestnuts everywhere. People are seen walking with their obligatory carrier bag and stick - hoping to gather as much as they can.
Here is Northern Spain, the chestnut is just as important as the apple.

The Amaguestu (Chestnut Festival) occurs every year in late October or early November. It is a Harvest Festival of sorts where the community gathers together to celebrate. Chestnuts are roasted and the first pressing of the apples is tasted (sidre dulce).

Schools throughout the region have their own celebrations and Shanna's school was no exception.
We headed to Torazo (a neighbouring village) and our tour began. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day.

It was a wonderful coming together of young and old and it was great to see everyone so enthusiastic and willing to join in. We watched the village elders make 'tortas' which are a very basic but tasty flour pancake.

The children also had a go at pressing the apples.

There were also ladies who were making fresh chorizo. This goes hand in hand with the harvest as now is the time that the pigs are slaughtered and the wild boars are hunted. Yes, I know that's not to everyones taste but we are talking old traditions here and its important that the younger generation do not forget these skills.

As parents we were each asked to make a dish. I chose to make some empanadas.
Now, I'm no expert in Spanish cookery but I'm pleased to say they were gone in a flash! Phew!
The table was laden with food. It was a lovely community feel.

The chestnuts and sidre were particularly delicious!

Hasta luego!