Potes Pomace Festival

The Orujo Festival turns Potes into a showcase for the traditional distillation of Liébana. The alquitaras work in public view while producers, neighbors and visitors share tastings, folklore and activities dedicated to a brandy closely linked to the region.

Celebration date

It is usually celebrated on second weekend of November, with activities distributed over several days. The specific dates and times depend on the approved programme for each edition.

The holiday does not in itself constitute a general public holiday in Cantabria. Its calendar responds to a cultural, gastronomic and tourist weekend call.

Venue

The setting is the town of Potes, capital of the Liébana region. The demonstrations, booths and performances occupy streets, squares and spaces in the urban centre; La Serna square traditionally hosts central events, although the exact distribution may vary.

You can also explore festivals in Potes and the municipality's local festival calendar.

Origin and history

The first Pomace Festival was celebrated in 1984 at the initiative of a group of people from Lebanese who wanted to preserve and spread this custom. Alcohol regulations later prevented home distillation in mobile distillers and the festival stopped taking place between 1985 and 1993. In 1994, an exceptional authorization allowed public distillation to be recovered within the celebration.

The production of liquor in Liébana is much older than the contemporary festival. It takes advantage of the grape bagasse after making wine and distills it slowly, a practice documented in the region since the late Middle Ages.

Distillation and tasting in the streets

The characteristic image is the copper tar heated while the bagasse releases its vapors. Cooling transforms them into spirit, which is collected and made known to the public in an environment controlled by the organisation. The Liébana producers show different preparations and explain a craft passed down for generations.

Tastings for adults coexist with cultural and gastronomic proposals. Alcohol consumption should be responsible and should never precede driving.

Main events and traditions

  • Lighting and public operation of the alquitaras.
  • Reception and proclamation of Orujero u Orujera Mayor, a distinction that each edition falls on a guest personality.
  • Blind tasting and delivery of the Alquitara de Oro to the best pomace of the year.
  • Tastings, gastronomic meetings and informative activities about Lebaniego brandy.
  • Parades, music, dances and performances of Cantabrian folklore.

Tourist organisation and recognition

The Potes City Council organises the festival with the support of the Government of Cantabria and the participation of the Liébana orujera industries. Neighbors, folklore groups, producers and establishments in the town contribute to a celebration open to the local and visiting public.

The Orujo Festival is declared Festival of National Tourist Interest since 2012. The recognition highlights its ability to disseminate the culture, landscape and gastronomy of Liébana.

Sources