July 14 to 18 Hop Week in Caravaca de la Cruz

VIsits to hop fields, a gourmet dinner and a street party in Caravaca in celebration of the locally grown hops

Hops, as many among us know only too well, are a crucial ingredient in the brewing of beer, and in the Region of Murcia the most important local brewery, Estrella Levante (located in the northern outskirts of the regional capital) grows many of its hops in the north-west, particularly in the municipality of Caravaca de la Cruz.

In fact, along with the province of León in the north, Caravaca is one of the very few areas of Spain in which hops are grown on a significant scale.

In celebration of the abundance of this natural ingredient, a Hope Week is being held in the city of Caravaca from 14^th to 18^th July, with the events scheduled including the following:

Monday 14th to Wednesday 16^th July – visits to the hop fields closest to the city, setting out by coach from the Plaza Paco Pim at 19.30. Once at the destination, the viewing of the fields is accompanied by a small snack (no prizes for guessing the drinks provided).

Cost 5 euros, bookings online here.

Thursday 17^th July – a special dinner in a local hop field under the title of "Olas de Pangea’" with a menú created by Cayetano Gómez of Grupo Casa Tomás, the kitchen of Fornet, beer provided by Estrella de Levante and wines bearing the DOP Jumilla label, and cocktails by de Bendita Café & Sueños. The exact location has not yet been revealed but places can be booked for 60 euros online here.

Friday 18^th July – A party in the Plaza de San Juan at 20.00, including music, an arts and craft market, an Estrella Levante bar, food trucks, cocktails, a “painting with beer” workshop and tastings of special alcohol-free beers.

Image: YAAAS

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office and information points or go to the home page of Caravaca Today.