The grills will be lit in the Town Square in Orio from October 2nd to 4th for the Parrilla Festa. Over these three days, fish, gastronomy, and the local atmosphere will be the main highlights.
The program includes pintxo-pote (tapas and drinks) featuring seasonal fish, a meal to grill fish in the Orio style with the help of local grill masters, rations from local taverns, Txakoli Day (local wine day), and marmitako (tuna stew). Additionally, other activities related to fishing and gastronomy have been organized.
Tickets for Saturday's meal are still available at the Tourist Office.
On October 2nd, Friday, the Parrilla Festa will begin. The official opening will take place at 8:00 PM, with the grills glowing red hot. Following this, at 8:05 PM, there will be a special pintxo-pote in the square. Here, local grill masters will demonstrate to residents how they grill fish, explaining in small groups the preparation method, the characteristics of each fish, and how to make the 'olio-errea' (oil-fried dish). Pescados de temporada (seasonal fish) brought from the fish market on the same day will be used, such as sea bream, turbot, horse mackerel, scorpionfish, or any other fish available at that time.
On October 3rd, Saturday, the Town Square will transform into a giant gastronomic society. There will be a special meal offering rations prepared by local taverns, dessert, and drinks. Participants must bring their own fish, purchased from a fishmonger in Orio, presenting the purchase receipt. To grill the fish on the parrillas, one or two representatives per group will participate, with the assistance of the local grill masters, aiming to pass on the tradition. The starter rations will include salad, mushrooms, squid, and a 'txuleta-paella' (a type of rice dish).
Participation in the meal will cost 20 euros per person, excluding the fish. The price will include rations, dessert, charcoal, oil, fire-making materials, water, and txotx (cider tap). Other drinks will also be available for purchase.
On Sunday, finally, marmitako and Txakoli Day will be celebrated. From 12:30 PM onwards, the Aldapa society will prepare marmitako for 4 euros per serving, and tables will be set up in the square. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to taste txakolis from four local producers for 6 euros: Bodega Katxina, Blai Txakolindegia, Arbela Txakolina, and Zudugarai.
The detailed program is as follows: On Friday, October 2nd, the grills will be lit and the opening ceremony will take place at 8:00 PM, followed by pintxo-pote at 8:05 PM. On Saturday, October 3rd, at 1:30 PM the gastronomic society event in the square, and at 8:00 PM pintxo-pote. On Sunday, October 4th, at 12:00 PM Txakoli Day and at 12:30 PM marmitako and rations from local taverns.
