Annual International Day of the Pig Fiesta in La Mata, Torrevieja

ONE OF THE REGION'S quirkier events takes place this weekend. Head a little further northward to the beachfront town of Torre La Mata, and be part of the International Day of the Pig fiesta in Torrevieja.

The Vega Baja annual celebration, now in its twenty-fourth year, will see locals and visitors flock to a pretty plaza and the beach in Torrevieja's northernmost urbanisation to enjoy a midday barbecue.

The party attracts people from across the Torrevieja and Vega Baja regions, local residents, and visitors from colder climes in Northern Europe, who visit Torre La Mata for the special day.

Marking the feast of San Antón, partygoers attending this gastronomic celebration typically bring their own tables, chairs, barbecues, and supplementary food and drink, spilling from the picturesque plaza onto La Mata's resplendent golden sandy beach.

Completely free of charge, the event organisers provide more than 500 kg of exceptional quality pork produce, 150 kg of fresh bread, and 150 litres of locally produced La Mata wine – a pale-straw hued fine white wine made from the grapes of Merseguera vines.

Pork meat including fine ham will be distributed as part of the meal, and pork chops will be cooked on portable barbecues in front of the “Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario” church.

International Day of the Pig, Torre La Mata's lunchtime fiesta

At the end of the celebrations, the organisers hold a ham raffle to raise funds for the next meal – due to be held in January 2025!

The public party is free to attend and requires no booking or registration, but participants are urged to arrive on time to collect their food. Local shops and café bars will be open to provide additional refreshments.

This International Day of the Pig fiesta takes place this weekend, Sunday 21st January 2024 from 12:00 midday, at Plaza de Encarnación Puchol in La Mata, Torrevieja. Click here for a Google Map with directions to this event from your location.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com