[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Secci\u00f3n” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Every year, the town of <\/span>Valls <\/span><\/b>becomes the epicentre of one of Catalonia’s most authentic and beloved <\/span>gastronomic <\/span><\/b>celebrations: the <\/span>Cal\u00e7otada Festival<\/span><\/b>. This event is a tribute to a tradition that combines good food, culture and the festive spirit of the region. The cal\u00e7otada is not just a typical dish; it is a unique experience that brings together families, friends and visitors from far and wide to enjoy the famous <\/span>cal\u00e7ots<\/span><\/b>, their delicious <\/span>romesco sauce<\/span><\/b> and a day full of popular activities. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Cal\u00e7otada Festival stands out not only for its gastronomic offer, but also for the numerous <\/span>activities <\/span><\/b>that accompany it, such as competitions, <\/span>castells <\/span><\/b>(human towers) exhibitions, traditional dances and markets of local products. On this day, the aroma of roasting cal\u00e7ots fills the streets of Valls, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in tradition and celebrate the culinary and cultural richness of the region. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the tasting of cal\u00e7ots, the festival pays tribute to the agricultural roots of the region and the efforts of the farmers who make this delicacy possible. <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a> offers its <\/span>shared transfer services<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, low-cost and sustainable, so you can get to <\/span>Tarragona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>, from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|60px|30px|60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The <\/span>cal\u00e7otada <\/span><\/b>is much more than just a meal; it is a gastronomic and social celebration that features the <\/span>cal\u00e7ot<\/span><\/b>, a variety of tender, elongated onion that is grown mainly in the counties of <\/span>Tarragona<\/span><\/b>. This tradition is based on roasting the cal\u00e7ots over a grill with a live flame, usually made of <\/span>vine shoots<\/span><\/b>, until their outer skin is blackened. Once roasted, the cal\u00e7ots are wrapped in newspaper to preserve their heat and characteristic flavour until they are served. The ritual involves peeling off the charred skin with the hands to reveal the tender, juicy interior, before dipping them in the irresistible romesco sauce. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Romesco sauce<\/span><\/b> is an essential part of the cal\u00e7otada and one of the great treasures of Catalan cuisine. This delicious sauce is traditionally made with ingredients such as roasted almonds and hazelnuts, roasted tomatoes and garlic, bread, olive oil, vinegar, \u00f1oras (a type of dried pepper) and salt. Its thick texture and deep flavour, which combines sweet, sour and slightly spicy nuances, are the perfect complement to enhance the smoky flavour and mildness of the cal\u00e7ots. Preparing a good romesco sauce is an art in itself, and each family or restaurant has its own recipe that it is proud to keep. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The cal\u00e7otada experience does not end with the cal\u00e7ots. After tasting this dish, the menu usually continues with <\/span>grilled meats<\/span><\/b>, such as lamb, sausages and other cured meats, accompanied by wine or cava from the region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shuttle2sun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/CALCOTADA-VALLS.png” alt=”The Cal\u00e7otada Festival in Valls” title_text=”The Cal\u00e7otada Festival in Valls” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Beyond the food, the cal\u00e7otada is an occasion to share laughter, anecdotes and a festive atmosphere in the open air or in traditional farmhouses, making this tradition an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Come and enjoy a good cal\u00e7otada in the counties of Tarragona! <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a> puts at your disposal <\/span>shared transfer services<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, low-cost and sustainable, so you can get to <\/span>Tarragona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>, from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and AVE Camp de Tarragona train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Valls<\/span><\/b>, a small town in the <\/span>Alt Camp<\/span><\/b> region, is considered the <\/span>birthplace of the cal\u00e7otada<\/span><\/b> and the place where this tradition has reached its peak. According to legend, the origin of the cal\u00e7otada is attributed to a peasant from Valls, known as \u2018<\/span>Xat de Benaiges<\/span><\/b>\u2019, who in the 19th century discovered the technique of roasting onions in this way. Since then, this practice has become a tradition that has gained popularity over the years. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shuttle2sun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/CALCOTADA-VALLS-2.png” alt=”Cal\u00e7otada Costa Dorada Tarragona” title_text=”Cal\u00e7otada Costa Dorada Tarragona” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The town also hosts the <\/span>Cal\u00e7otada Festival<\/span><\/b>, where every <\/span>January <\/span><\/b>thousands of people come to enjoy a day that combines tradition and culture. In Valls, cal\u00e7ots are not only a typical dish, but also a symbol of identity and an economic driving force for the region. Moreover, the town has been responsible for preserving this tradition and making it known beyond the Catalan borders, turning the cal\u00e7otada into a <\/span>benchmark of local gastronomy <\/span><\/b>and a renowned tourist attraction. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Cal\u00e7otada Festival 2025 in Valls promises<\/span><\/b>, once again, to be an unmissable event for lovers of this gastronomic and cultural tradition. Held on the last Sunday in January, this year, <\/span>26<\/span><\/b>th<\/span><\/b> of January 2025<\/span><\/b>, this festival turns the streets of the town into a great stage full of activities for all ages.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The day begins with <\/span>demonstrations of growing cal\u00e7ots<\/span><\/b> and preparing the traditional <\/span>romesco sauce<\/span><\/b> in <\/span>Pla\u00e7a del Blat<\/span><\/a>, offering attendees a unique opportunity to discover the secrets behind these two essential elements of the cal\u00e7otada. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the most anticipated moments of the day is the <\/span>Cal\u00e7ot Eating Competition<\/span><\/b>, in the <\/span>Pla\u00e7a del Pati<\/span><\/b>, where participants compete to see who can taste the most cal\u00e7ots in a limited time. This event, full of humour and good atmosphere, attracts both locals and curious visitors.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” min_height=”181.8px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”3px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n You can also buy your <\/span>tasting pack<\/span><\/b>, which includes 12 cal\u00e7ots, a bottle of cava and a bottle of water, romesco sauce, bread, dessert and a special offer to visit the <\/span>Museu Casteller de Catalunya<\/span><\/a>. In addition, the streets of Valls are filled with more <\/span>stalls selling and tasting<\/span><\/b>; performances by popular culture groups, such as <\/span>\u2018castells\u2019 <\/span><\/b>and parades, which add a festive and traditional touch to the celebration. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For those who wish to enjoy a more complete experience, local restaurants offer <\/span>special cal\u00e7otada menus <\/span><\/b>until April, allowing visitors to savour this typical dish in a welcoming setting.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With this varied agenda, the Cal\u00e7otada Festival 2025 not only celebrates Catalan gastronomy, but also strengthens the community’s bond with its cultural heritage, making this festival an unforgettable event for all attendees. Remember that <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a> offers its <\/span>shared transfer services<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, low-cost and sustainable, to go to <\/span>Tarragona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>, from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every year, the town of Valls becomes the epicentre of one of Catalonia’s most authentic and beloved gastronomic celebrations: the Cal\u00e7otada Festival. This event is a tribute to a tradition that combines good food, culture and the festive spirit of the region. The cal\u00e7otada is not just a typical dish; it is a unique experience […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19279,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[39,42,29,41],"tags":[46,69,135,45,44,43,125,139],"class_list":["post-19269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-costa-dorada-2","category-spanish-culture","category-travel","category-travel-tips","tag-airports","tag-holidays","tag-private-transfer-2","tag-shuttle","tag-transfer","tag-travel","tag-vacances-2","tag-winter"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat does a cal\u00e7otada consist of? \u00a0<\/h2>\n
Valls: The birthplace of the cal\u00e7otada \u00a0<\/h2>\n
The Cal\u00e7otada Festival in Valls \u00a0<\/h2>\n