La Pedida de la Patatera, Malpartida de Cáceres' Big Day

On Shrove Tuesday every year, the town of Malpartida de Cáceres, about ten kilometres from the capital of Cáceres, celebrates the 'Pedida de la Patatera' (asking for the patatera sausage), an event where this typical Extremaduran sausage made of potato, animal fat, pork and paprika, is the great protagonist.

The origin of this celebration, a Fiesta of Tourist Interest in Extremadura, goes back to the end of the 19th century, when young people, particularly conscripts, used to ask the townsfolk for patatera sausages and other fare to later eat them in the village taverns. 

Since 1986 several Malpartida de Cáceres associations and groups revived this tradition, which year after year attracts many people to the Plaza Mayor and surrounding streets.

Festivities start around noon with a street parade livened up with brass bands. The participants parade through the streets of the town representing the 'pedida de la patatera' (asking for the patatera sausage) with beautiful baskets, panniers and carts. After eating the sausage, the merry, colourful and lively celebration begins and lasts well into the night, as befits a Carnival. 

The women have gradually replaced their black outfits with brightly-coloured ones, while the men wear the typical peasant costume, with trousers, a white shirt and a neckerchief. 

Malpartida de Cáceres´ Big Day is becoming more and more established for all age groups, where grandparents, parents, and grandchildren all have fun together.

PROGRAM 2024