May 25 to 31 Blue Crab festival in Los Alcázares

A gastronomic treat for seafood lovers in Los Alcázares and Los Narejos

The Atlantic blue crab, Cannectes sapidus, is, as its name suggests, a native of the western Atlantic, particularly the Chesapeake Bay, Louisiana and New Jersey, and is widely farmed for commercial purposes. For this reason, when it began to appear in the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor around 12 years ago this was widely lamented as it is a voracious predator and a threat to native mollusc species such as cockles, jellyfish and cuttlefish.

What’s more, the blue crab adapts easily to different levels of salinity, is resistant to pollutants and can thrive with very little oxygen, making the highly saline water of the Mar Menor no threat to its survival, and during its 3-year lifespan it can reach widths of over 20 centimetres.

However, the local community in Los Alcázares has been quick to seize upon the opportunity to exploit another property of the species: its rich taste! This has proved such a success that the Blue Crab show is returning to the town between 25^th and 31^st May, featuring a tapas route, various show cooking events, video recipes and trips on the local tourist train.

The “El Habanero” tourist train will be in operation on Monday 25th and Wednesday 27th May with live music on board and stopping at the different establishments taking part in the event on each day. On both dates the tour starts at 20.30 at the Town Hall and the destinations are El Barco de Papel (Los Narejos), Restaurante El Cortez (Los Narejos), La Casa de Papel (Los Alcázares) and El Rincón de Cristina (Los Alcázares), with tickets available online here at a cost of 19.64 euros including costs.

This price includes a tapa and a drink at each of the four establishments featured, but please note that those registering must be at least 18 years old.

For more local information in English, including news, what’s on and visiting advice, contact the tourist offices in Los Alcázares (main telephone number 968 575756) or go to the home page of Los Alcázares Today.