Villanueva del Rosario is a small but charming municipality in the province of Malaga that celebrates its Tagarninas Day in the second half of March. This festival is not only an event for lovers of good food, but also an opportunity to learn about one of the oldest gastronomic traditions in the area. If you are enthusiastic about local cuisine and local festivities, this event is a must-see.

Tagarninas, known in other regions as cardillos, are a herbaceous plant native to southern and western Europe, which can be found throughout the Mediterranean, including north-western France and also in the Canary Islands. This plant, characterised by its long, thorny leaves, is particularly prized in the cuisine of the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz, where the stem is used as an ingredient in traditional cooking.

The stem of the tagarnina plant is edible and has a slightly bitter taste which, when prepared correctly, becomes a unique delicacy. This wild plant is harvested in the fields near Villanueva del Rosario and is used to make various traditional dishes, with tagarnina stew being one of the most popular recipes in the area.

Tagarninas Day is much more than a celebration of local cuisine; it is an opportunity for the residents of Villanueva del Rosario and visitors to enjoy the rich culture of Andalusia. This event is held in the second half of March, and throughout the day the town comes alive with a wide variety of activities, including cooking competitions, traditional dances and live music.

Attendees have the opportunity to sample tagarninas stew, the festival’s star dish, which is served at various locations throughout the village. In addition to the food, there are activities for the whole family, such as flamenco dance and folk music performances, making this festival a complete experience that celebrates both tradition and joie de vivre.

If you plan to attend Tagarninas Day in Villanueva del Rosario, here are some tips to help you enjoy this wonderful festival to the fullest:

1. Arrive early: The event begins in the morning and lasts until sunset. If you want to enjoy all the activities and try the tagarninas stew, we recommend arriving early. You’ll also avoid the dreaded traffic jams.
2. Dress comfortably: The party is held outdoors, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking.
3. Try the stew: Don’t miss out on the delicious tagarninas stew, the traditional dish that is the real star of the festival.
4. Enjoy the music and dancing: Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the festival, enjoying the dancing and local music concerts.

Although Tagarninas Day is the main attraction of the day, Villanueva del Rosario offers many more reasons to visit. The village is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, ideal for hiking enthusiasts. From here, you can explore routes that will take you through mountains, olive groves and fields full of vegetation.

In addition, the village has a rich historical heritage, such as the church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, the oil mill and various traditional Andalusian buildings.

Choose your car at Yellow Car and head to Villanueva del Rosario to enjoy Tagarninas Day. An excellent opportunity to discover the local cuisine and traditions.