Every year in January, following the Saint Antoni celebration, the "Fiesta de la Alcachofa" (Artichoke Festival) is celebrated. The Festival consists of a variety of games and socio-cultural activities, as well as professional and technical sessions.

It is the first mass gastronomic event of the year. Each year more and more lovers of gastronomy visit Benicarló, attracted by a product, which has opened the door to a world of possibilities. Indeed the Fiesta de la Alcachofa, with the only Protected Designation of Origin guarantee in the Province, has led Benicarló to be considered a reference point. This fact has been made possible thanks to the effort of the entire town and above all the agricultural and gastronomic sectors, which have promoted and consolidated the festival.

With the aim of awarding those who have contributed to the rise of the Benicarló Artichoke, the Benicarló town council together with the agricultural board launched the Artichoke Gala Dinner and its corresponding award, the "Alcachofa de oro" (Golden Artichoke).

The Gala Dinner is the official act and opens the Fiesta de la Alcachofa.

The Carxofa de Benicarló regatta, the gastronomic display and the “Torrá popular” are the most attended events, but the huge popularity of the festival guarantees that all activities are widely attended.

"Torrá" popular

The most popular event of all without doubt is the Torrá, which consists of barbecuing large amounts of artichokes. Worth noting is the voluntary collaboration of the agricultural workers who prepare everything for the event. Long queues of people waiting to taste the barbecued artichokes are commonplace.

For more information about the Fiesta de la Alcachofa, go to the official Website of the Benicarló town council:

www.ajuntamentdebenicarlo.org