Aula· Spain, city by cityNavarra
Tafalla
«Tafalla destaca por su tradicional mercado de ganado y agricultura.»Tafalla stands out for its traditional livestock and agricultural market.
Tafalla is in central Navarre, in the Cidacos valley, between the mountains and the Ribera. It once had a royal palace belonging to Charles III, of which almost nothing remains, and its Santa María church preserves the altarpiece by Juan de Ancheta, a masterpiece of Navarrese Renaissance sculpture.
Did you know
Plundered by French troops.
During the Peninsular War, Tafalla was the scene of important clashes and suffered significant looting by French troops.
How they talk in Tafalla
«Tafallés» is the demonym and «Zona Media» the term used to identify this part of Navarre. Euskera is less present in everyday speech than in the Navarrese Montaña.
auzolan
Community or neighborhood work done together. Basque term for a practical collaboration in which the inhabitants contribute to the good of the neighborhood or the town.
Everyday life in Tafalla
The «peñas» with their uniform
During the August festivals, groups of friends parade with the shirt of their own colour, the band and the bulls: you belong to a peña from a very young age, often that of your parents.
«¿De qué peña eres?» — Which peña are you from?
The wine of the «Ribera Alta»
The wineries around the town can be visited and sell directly: you buy by the carton, and in many houses there is still the demijohn to fill.
«Un tinto de la Ribera, por favor.» — A red from the Ribera, please.
The «Portal» of the medieval centre
The arch that marked the entrance to the old city is still standing, and you drive through it: the streets inside are narrow, and traffic regulates itself.
What to eat in Tafalla
Gorrín asado
Suckling pig roasted in a wood-fired oven, with crispy skin.
Cuajada
Sheep's milk set with rennet, in a small earthenware pot, with honey and walnuts.
Pochas
Fresh white beans cooked with vegetables or with quail.
Festivals in Tafalla
Fiestas Patronales
from 14 to 20 August
Encierros in the morning, giants in the afternoon, and the peñas that are recognised by the colour of their shirt.
What to see in Tafalla
Iglesia de Santa María
The retablo by Juan de Ancheta, considered the masterpiece of Navarrese Renaissance sculpture.
Convento de la Concepción
The convent of the Poor Clares, with the Baroque church and the sweets they still sell through the revolving tray.
Plaza de Navarra
The arcaded square in the centre, with the town hall and cafés.
Where Tafalla comes from
The retablo that is worth the trip
Roman era
The settlement
An agricultural settlement in the Cidacos valley, on the way to the south.
14th century
The palace
Charles III the Noble builds a royal palace there, of which almost nothing remains today.
16th century
The retablo
Juan de Ancheta sculpts the retablo of Santa María, considered his masterpiece.
20th century → today
Tafalla
Agriculture and the canning industry support the economy.
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