"Erizá" The Festival of Sea Urchins in Cadiz

Every January, as soon as the New Year, and 3 Kings celebration is over, the city of Cadiz invites everyone to try a very interesting dish, straight from the waters of Cadiz, raw sea urchin! ... and it is delicious. According to the folks around here, it tastes like "You are biting into a wave" told me someone at the Sea Urchin Festival.  Ok, maybe the first time is not so delicious, but it is not terrible either.  

I don't think they left any urchins in the ocean!

Every year the city (Barrio de la Viña) provides tons of free sea urchins (close to 800 pounds) and a glass of sherry wine to wash it down, but you have to stand in long lines if you want to sample it for free.  Or you can go to any corner of the historical downtown, and vendors will have mountains of sea urchins for sale by the dozen, no waiting and hardly any lines.

There are also other products from the sea for sale, if you don't eat urchins.

I always wondered how to cut this spiny creature.

The colors are amazing.

Look at the size of this oyster!

On another part of town (Plaza San Antonio), folks are also having an Oyster festival, actually is "Ostión" which is larger than an oyster and stronger in flavor.  Same deal applies to the oysters, long lines, one per person, and a glass of sherry.  Close to 1200 pounds of large oysters, almost 600 pounds of baked peppers,  2.500 liters of Cruzcampo beer, and 1.000 liters of manzanilla Soleá are distributed.   And if you are really hungry, just like with the sea urchins, better walk around the corner and buy a dozen oysters or two, plus a drink.  

Besides the huge amounts of raw seafood, there is also music, bands playing in the plaza, and the very typical carnival groups trying out their new songs and satire about politicians, or some current event. Loads of fun and great photo opportunities.

Don't forget:
Both Festivals are on January 11, 2015.  
time: 13:00 until dusk
Food and music around town.  See you at the festival, and remember to dress warm.