1,000 attend Pulpi’s pig slaughter events

THE traditional pig slaughter, or matanza, took place in Pulpi.

Residents and visitors watched different types of ham and black puddings being prepared.

Then, in the evening approximately 1,000 people came to taste the meat, listen to live music and dance to music by the Cuadrilla Municipal de Pulpi.

Pulpi town hall prepared a giant pan of rice with meat products in the open air and served it to the public in San Juan de los Terreros.

The matanza used to be carried out in almost every Andalusian household and was the most common and economical way to ensure families had a supply of meat throughout the year.

The festival took place in winter to take advantage of the cold weather so that the meat products were easily conserved and for families to stock up for the coming winter months.

Nowadays, the killing must be carried out in an abattoir under strict controls.

Only when the inspectors are satisfied, can the family take their dead pig home. In the past, the whole process took place in the family home or on the family plot.

By Susan Leach
susan.leach@euroweeklynews.com