‘Moragas’ and ‘Espetos’

Have you ever wondered why there are boats full of sand along the beaches of ‘costa del sol’?

Both ‘moragas’ and ‘espeto’ cooking cause it. Both traditions originate in Málaga.

What is ‘moraga’?

‘Moraga’ is a festive reunion on the beach in which some foods are prepared in small bonfires.

What’s the origin of ‘moraga? Initially, it was a celebration for and by the fishermen: once they finish fishing ‘tirando del copo’ (a fishing technique), they brought the catch to the beach, where they would reunite with family and prepare the fishes ‘al espeto’ with some wine and singing.

Nowadays you may also have some meat and vegetables in ‘moragas’. Not everything is fish!

What is ‘espeto’?

‘Espeto’ is a cooking technique for fish typical in Málaga

At first, a small bonfire was made on the sand. At side where the wind came from, the ‘espetero’ (‘espeto’ chef) put sardines impaled with a piece of cane (alwas from the back to the belly of the sardine, leaving the spine over the cane).

What’s the association between boats full of sand on the beach and ‘espetos’? In order to cook with ‘espeto’ and not being crouched while cooking, those ‘espetos’ are made today on the mentioned boats. What’s more: in many municipalities of ‘Costa del sol’ you may rent those boats to organise your own ‘moraga’.