One of the most typical dishes in Ibiza’s gastronomy is arroz de matanzas. A culinary delight that was traditionally prepared after a pig was slaughtered, but which has become increasingly popular over the years. Arroz de matances is a rice stew made with chicken, pork, ribs, sobrassada and mushrooms, among other ingredients. Given its hearty nature, it is an ideal dish for winter.
Nowadays you can find it in many of the island’s restaurants, especially in those that focus on Ibizas traditional cuisine. However, the San Antonio Festivities also gives you an unique opportunity to try it at the World Championship of Matanza Rice.
An already consolidated event that this year celebrates its eighth edition on 1st of February in the town’s central Rosell street. It will be a festive and fun day in which the registered teams will cook their own versions of matanzas rice in the street and in full view of the public. Throughout the day there will be various musical performances, entertainment and country dancing with Sa Colla de Can Bonet (San Antonio’s folk group). At 2 p.m. a popular paella will be organised to raise funds to help the Association of Parents of Children with Cancer of the Balearic Islands (ASPANOB). And of course, the event concludes with the prize awarding to the winning team after the jury’s evaluation.
In addition, this year´s novelty is the preview the day before the event, on the 31 of January, to warm up for the championship. In the morning there will be a public event on the streets of San Antonio, so that everyone can get to know the ins and outs of the traditional Ibiza slaughter, followed by a popular frita (pork frita is another of the most emblematic dishes of Ibizan cuisine). After the meal, attendees can enjoy a performance by the well-known Ibizan musician Joan Murenu.
If you want to find out more about traditional Ibiza and the flavours of the island, don’t miss this event!
