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March 12 to 15 Segureño lamb fair in the Caravaca village of Archivel
A celebration of the unique meat quality of the Segureño lamb in north-western Murcia
The 9th annual Fair of Segureño Lamb and cattle farming is being held from 12th to 15th March in the village of Archivel, not far from Caravaca de la Cruz, showcasing a breed whose adaptation to the sometimes harsh conditions in its natural habitat contribute to the outstanding quality of its meat.
The breed is native to the mountains near the source of the River Segura in the provinces of Granada, Murcia, Albacete, Jaén and Almería, and it is officially different from the “Manchego” breed which lives in much of Castilla-La Mancha. Protected Geographical Indication status was awarded by the EU in 2013 and the overall population hovers at around 150,000, producing some 450,000 for slaughter every year.
This is enough to generate economic activity of some 60 million euros annually in the five provinces, and within the Region of Murcia the most productive area is to be found in the north-western municipalities of Moratalla, Caravaca de la Cruz, Bullas, Cehegín and Calasparra. In consequence, there are delicious offerings of roast lamb, lamb stew and the “tartera” of Caravaca at many local restaurants!
In Archivel the fair is taking place at the local showground with the aim of raising awareness of the unique qualities of Segureño lamb through exhibitions, guided visits and gastronomic and entertainment attractions, with the programme for the weekend including the following:
Wednesday March 11
The flocks arrive at the showground.
Thursday March 12
9.00: The animals go on display.
10.00: Schoolchildren visit to learn about the breed and receive guidance from vets belonging to ANCOS.
Friday March 13
9.00: Exhibition of sheep and goat herds.
10.00: Schoolchildren begin a guided visit to learn about the Segureña breed and how to look after the animals, as well as taking part in a cheese-making workshop.
21.00: Screening of the documentary “Luzas y Morras” at La Muralla in Archivel.
Saturday March 14
9.00: The venue opens for the day,
12.00: Official opening ceremony and exhibitions begin of the Segureña breed, mountain goats and the white “Celtibérica” breed.
Workshops are held with activities such as esparto grass weaving, “bolillos” embroidery, knitting, shearing and the making of cattle bells.
Children’s games are installed for the day.
12.30: A guided tour of the cattle area.
14.00: Lunch is on offer, not surprisingly consisting of Segureño lamb dishes.
16.00: Live music from Orquesta La Movida Electric Band.
20.00: DJ music for the evening.
Sunday March 15
9.00: The venue opens for the day.
12.00: Prizegiving ceremonies.
13.00: A display of horse breaking by José Muñoz Ruiz ‘El Patilla’.
14.30: Paella for all. The ingredients are not specified on the programme but it’s a fair bet that lamb will be among them…
15.30: The cattle are removed before the fair ends at 16.00.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the local tourist office (telephone 968 702424) or go to the home page of Caravaca Today.
