Graus’ Longaniza Day
Graus’ longaniza (Spanish sausage, similar to chorizo) is made with pork and spiced with oregano, nutmeg, thyme, clove, and sometimes wine. This longaniza is well-known in Spain by its quality (it has been awarded the Aragón’s Food Quality Brand). Longaniza is so important in the Spanish culture that it even has a special day in our calendar since 1992.
Today, on Saturday 25th July, Graus (Ribagorza-Huesca) celebrates the Longaniza Day. This festival also celebrates traditional dances, craftwork, and music. The starting shot starts at 9 am, although the real atmosphere does not start until 11 am. Craftsman stands, both new and old, take on more importance and become the best place around to buy a souvenir.
You can also enjoy dances, concerts and other activities that keep the festival at its best until the big moment (the longaniza barbecue) commences at 6 pm.
What other things can you get involved with in this town? For instance, you can wander through Barrichós (the oldest quarter in Graus), which was declared a historic site in 1975. You can also enjoy the history of the place –all the stories that the town hides. Another interesting thing to do is to admire the Virgen de la Peña Basilica, built in a Gothic Reinassance style (it is a good idea to go through its walls). Also, you can enjoy the town’s fascinating Plaza Mayor –considered one of the most beautiful in Aragón because of its arcades with rounded arches and its houses built unequally (façades have different colors). Under its arcades, the town celebrates fairs and market days. When you are here, you will not like missing the Heredia House, whose eaves contains Bible and season allegories, and the Del Barbón House, whose façade is fitted with allegories about arts and science.
Besides, there exist three museum centers that encompass different themes such as the history of the place –where Muslims, Christians and Jews lived.
