Spain is known for its rich cultural heritage and its passion for gastronomy. There is no better way to celebrate this combination than el Día de la Tortilla! Whilst it isn’t as well known as other Spanish celebrations, this day represents a special occasion to enjoy one of the most beloved delicacies of the country: the Spanish tortilla.
But wait… where did it come from?
The exact origin of el Día de la Tortilla isn’t clear and unlike other Spanish traditions, it seems to be a more recent celebration which has become more popular in recent decades.
Whilst it’s celebrated internationally on 9 March, one of the peculiarities of this festivity is that the date of the celebration in Spain varies from place to place, and there are also places where it isn’t even celebrated. However, in Spain, there is every suggestion that it’s connected with the Day of the Virgen de las Candelas, which marks the end of Christmas. This means that it’s normally celebrated at the beginning of February and it’s the perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family.
The fact that these two celebrations coincide could be the reason why the Día de la Tortilla has become a tradition. Food and get-togethers are the main reasons for this country’s religious celebrations, which could explain the increase in popularity of this festivity.
Why the spanish tortilla?
As many of us all know, the potato tortilla is such an iconic dish that it is known as the Spanish tortilla. It is made up of eggs, potatoes and sometimes even onion, and is then cooked to perfection in olive oil. (remember if you prefer a potato tortilla with no onions, you’ll be part of team “sin cebolla”!). The result is an omelette which is golden on the outside and creamy on the inside, served in generous slices. During el Día de la Tortilla, Spanish kitchens are filled with the tempting aroma of this delicious creation. If you’re interested and want to know how to prepare a Spanish tortilla step-by-step, you can download our recipe here.
El Día de la Tortilla is more than just a mere gastronomic event. It’s an occasion for friends and family to come together and create memories. Something else which is common on this day is a competition to make the best tortilla, where budding chefs show off their skills in the kitchen. Also, local events, like fairs and markets, are organised where you can try tortillas of different styles and sizes.
Of course, each chef has their own secret tricks and recipes to make the perfect tortilla. However, as was mentioned, some prefer onion or potatoes, whilst others choose a softer texture. Whatever your preference is, the Día de la Tortilla is the perfect opportunity to try different types and find your favourite!
Sara Castanedo
Online teacher
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