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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Sunday in Padrón...Exploring a Galician Feria

When we're in Spain, going to the market on Sunday is an event. And it's something we all look forward to every year. 

We pick up our uncle early Sunday morning, and we all pile into the car and head to Padrón, in western Galicia, just outside of Santiago de Compostela, for the feria. 


Padrón is part of the Camino de Santiago and the town is known for their sometimes spicy peppers, which are sold in just about every bar in Galicia as tapas, as well as a one-time preaching place for Saint James, the apostle.



For two Euros, you can park in a nearby lot and explore the best that Padrón has to offer. Get ready to bargain...vendors are spirited. It is loud and crowded, but it's an experience you won't soon forget. 

You can get almost anything at the feria. It is farmers' market meets flea market. You can get locally caught fresh and salted fish. You can buy sausages and hams. There are empanadas and unlabeled wine sold via word of mouth. There are clothes and tools, shoes and electronics. Some markets have animals for sale and you can almost always find puppies and kittens alongside hens, ducks, and, in some markets, pigs. 

When we go to Padrón, we start on one end of the market with a coffee con leche and a quick glance of the local paper. My uncle and husband buy lottery tickets and then we are ready to explore. 


Our next stop is for churros...


We share a dozen...6 with cinnamon and sugar and 6 chocolate covered. 


And then we meander.

The feria is a meeting place. No doubt, you will see someone you know. There are grandparents and grandchildren, families and couples, tourists and locals, all meandering the paths of the marketplace in search of bargains and socializing. 





Salt cod, or bacalao, is a staple in Spain.




Local cheese and local honey.

For when you miss the baker's arrival in your neighborhood

Empanadas gallegas


Sweet treats



Sausages


And ham, ham everywhere...

When we have marketed ourselves out, it is off to the pulperia for a treat that my husband waits for all year...pulpo á la feria. 


Here, the octopus is boiled in water and red wine and then it is served on a wooden plate with olive oil, sea salt and Spanish pimentón. 





If pulpo's not your thing (and it's not mine), there's grilled meat, or churrasco, to feed your hunger. 


With pimentos Padrón and the best bread in the world.


Our days at the market are a tradition that I have come to treasure. And sharing it with family makes it all the better. 

Where are your favorite markets to explore? Where is the best market place you have explored?














14 comments:

  1. Oh that all looks SO good! And peaceful! Has me longing for a vacation now. On a different note, I had no idea that churros were a Spanish thing! I thought they were Mexican or Tex-Mex at most. And I SERIOUSLY had no idea they came chocolate covered! So glad I've never seen them that way, because my diet would definitely go flying out the window faster than you could say "deep fried"!!!!

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    1. The chocolate churros are delicious, but sweet. They used to be my favorite, but I am leaning toward to cinnamon sugar ones now. So, so good! Thank you for stopping by, Jill!

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  2. I've never been to an outdoor market with meats and cheeses setting out. Very cool.

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    1. They refrigerate what needs to be, but the sausages and cheeses and salted fish are fine at room temp. It's a lot of fun. Thank you for stopping by!

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  3. Kelly, my mouth is watering! Everything looks amazing food-wise. I'd love to spend a Sunday this way. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. So, so good, Steph. I love markets and this one never disappoints.

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  4. This reminds me a bit of Pike Place Market. What great photos you got. I've never seen an Octopus before! (And I've never had a churro, can you believe that)! ~M

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    1. Pike Place is on my short list...actually, the Pacific Northwest in general is on my short list. Thank you for stopping by!

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  5. I have not found a market I love yet. I would stay away from the Octopus myself, but the churros look amazing!

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    1. Octopus is not for me either, but they love it. I'll stick to the peppers and ribs. :-) And the churros are fantastic! So, so good.

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  6. Great blog post Kelly and fabulous photos. We've not been to Padron market yet but you've certainly whet my appetite for a visit.

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    1. Thank you, Craig. Padrón is worth a visit....probably like other markets, but fun nonetheless.

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  7. I love markets like this. So colorful and so much to see! I've been to Pike Place and then small markets around the world, but never one quite like this.

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    1. Pike Place is on my short list...actually, the Pacific Northwest in general is on my short list of places to visit. Thank you for stopping by, Bailey!

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