Keeping family baking traditions alive

THE Dia de la Empanada (Pasty Day) was held in Huercal Overa. It has been celebrated for more than 10 years by the Association of Residents of the Historical Centre in collaboration with the town hall in order to maintain one of the most traditional local sweetmeats, the almond pasty. 

The money raised from the event will go to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Virgen del Rio care home. 

This year, the event was held in the gastronomy class at the Plaza de Abastos, because it has all the necessary facilities to make and bake the pasties in the same place.

Locals were able to purchase the fresh pasties which are traditionally eaten at Christmas. Local women tend to gather in their homes with friends and family to prepare them and each household has its own way of making them, which is passed on from one generation to the next. 

The mayor, Domingo Fernandez, said that the town hall supports the event and the aim of conserving this local tradition as well as raising funds each year for different local associations.