The Carril brotherhood has reserved 3,000 kilos of clams for its gastronomic festival in August, despite the production crisis affecting the sector after last autumn's rains. The 9,000 portions will be sold for 14 euros, and the official events on Sunday have been eliminated to reduce costs.
The Festa da Ameixa do Carril returns on the second weekend of August, on the 8th and 9th, with an edition marked by the seafood crisis. The local brotherhood has managed to gather 3,000 kilos of clams to serve on Sunday, despite last autumn's rains devastating shellfish banks and cultivation parks. The organisation estimates that around 9,000 portions will be served, each priced at 14 euros, an updated price after many years without changes.
The mayor of Vilagarcía, Alberto Varela (PSOE), thanked the Carril brotherhood for their efforts to keep the tradition alive in a context of scarcity. “In a context where there is little clam, keeping this tradition alive, which fills all of Carril with people coming to enjoy this town, its people, and its clams,” declared the mayor, highlighting the quality of the product.
To minimise costs, the brotherhood has removed the official events from the Sunday programme, such as the reading of the proclamation and tributes to people linked to the sea. “Eliminate what is not essential,” explained the organisation, focusing the day on the popular tasting. The clam portions will begin to be served at 12 noon, accompanied by Pablo Balseiro and The Verbenian Orquestra.
The previous Saturday, the 8th, there will be a dinner featuring a huge rice dish with Carril clams, starting at 21:30 hours. Food is expected for 1,000 people, double that of last year, when half of the product fell short. “So this year we are doubling, and if it is a success, we will do it again next year,” assured Javi Quintáns, the brotherhood's chief patron.
Tickets for the clam portions will be available for purchase on the day of the festival at the ticket offices set up in the fish market, as well as online, following the system implemented last year. The Festa da Ameixa do Carril, with over thirty years of history, is one of the most prominent summer events in Arousa, and this year demonstrates its ability to adapt to the crisis.
For attendees, the event offers an opportunity to taste quality clams at a reasonable price, in a festive environment. The removal of official events does not detract from a day focused on gastronomy and music. The organisation recommends buying tickets online to avoid queues and arriving early to secure a portion.
The festival takes place in Carril, a parish of Vilagarcía de Arousa, facing the island of Cortegada. The event is a benchmark in the region and attracts visitors from all over Galicia. Despite the sector's difficulties, the brotherhood has demonstrated its commitment to tradition, ensuring the supply of seafood for one of the most anticipated gastronomic events of the summer.
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