Riogordo boasts land mollusks: distributes 500 kilos of snails in broth

Riogordo, nestled in the heart of the High Axarquía, does not enjoy proximity to the sea, yet this village boasts its own unique mollusk: snails. This terrestrial species is a delicacy in this small inland town of the eastern region, with just 2,795 registered inhabitants, where they are cooked using a traditional recipe rich in spices, which is known as 'snails in broth'.

This upcoming Sunday marks the 24th edition of Riogordo's Snail Day. The event, expected to draw over 5,000 visitors, will feature a variety of activities centered around the snail, which stands as the culinary king of this Axarquía town. The president of the Association of Municipalities of the Eastern Costa del Sol-Axarquía, Jorge Martín; the mayor of Riogordo, Antonio Alés, and the councilor for Festivities, Esther Fernández, all from the PP party, presented this Tuesday the 24th edition of Snail Day, set to take place this upcoming Sunday, June 1st.

"Many people usually attend this festival where a very simple yet flavorful and traditional dish is savored. It has been declared a Festival of Provincial Touristic Singularity, involving the residents of Riogordo," Martín highlighted in a statement, where he also emphasized "the effort" made by the Riogordo Town Hall "to provide a full day for attendees to enjoy and get to know."

"From the Association, we want to invite everyone to this festival, where you can taste these delicious snails, a star dish in many Spanish and French regions as it is in Riogordo," said the president of the regional institution. The mayor of Riogordo explained that Snail Day "is a different kind of festival that is celebrated in the town with great enthusiasm among family, friends, and welcoming hundreds and hundreds of visitors." During the day, 500 kilograms of snails in broth are prepared "which we share with neighbors and visitors from all over the Andalusian geography." They are made with aniseed, pepper, orange peel, bay leaves, chili, or mint.

Additionally, as the mayor recalled in the mentioned statement, the 'Golden Snails' are awarded to notable individuals and institutions. "This local edition will honor Anaís Sánchez, a young researcher who has focused on cancer tumor research for years, achieving significant results. She is currently investigating new therapeutic combinations against leukemia," Alés summarized about her professional career. "She is also recognized for her work capacity, her effort, her perseverance, and also for how proud all the residents of Riogordo are to have such a young researcher who has already participated in numerous conferences and research projects that improve our health," he added.

The provincial 'Golden Snail' will be awarded to the 'Great Path of Málaga,' "since the Department of Infrastructure and Sustainable Territory is tirelessly working to weave this network of trails that connects the entire province of Málaga, impacting health and the enjoyment of the environment, in addition to developing significant economic and tourist activity in all the towns of our province."

The councilor for Festivities of the Riogordo Town Hall was in charge of explaining the program of activities for the twenty-fourth edition of Snail Day, which will start at one in the afternoon at the municipal pool area. "Gema Bravo's dance group will perform, and after the scheduled institutional act at 1:30 PM, the 'Aire de lo Nuestro' Rociero Choir will perform. The snail tasting will take place at 2:30 PM and will cost three euros. From 4:00 PM onwards, the music will be provided by the 80's and 90's cover band 'Los Pacos'," Fernández detailed.

The councilor for Festivities explained that Snail Day is part of Riogordo's 'May Fair,' so there will be activities starting Thursday where children can enjoy a 'Treasure Hunt' around the town and rides will have special pricing.

On Saturday, as Fernández explained, there will be a cycling route at nine in the morning organized by the Riobike Club. At its conclusion, paella will be served to all participants. At the same time, a painting contest will begin. At 5:30 PM, there will be children's entertainment with Magician Philippe and a snack in the municipal pool area. From 6:00 to 7:00 PM, the works from the painting contest will be displayed at the Antonio Rojas Museum of Fine Arts. The winners will also receive their awards. At 11:30 PM, there will be a 'Camela' tribute concert at the municipal pool area.