Villanueva de los Infantes once again brings together thousands of people for the Giant Pisto, a Guinness World Record holder since 2016

 The event was attended by a wide institutional representation, as well as a delegation from the Portuguese municipality of Anadia, which enjoyed the Pimiento Fair throughout the weekend, along with the traditions and heritage of Villanueva de los Infantes.

The mayor highlighted the collective nature of a celebration that has the Infantes pepper as one of its main protagonists. Carmen María Montalbán pointed out that “in this iconic festival, we highlight a product like the Infantes pepper, a celebration in which an entire town gets involved. That unity is the secret to why this festival is enjoyed so much, because those who visit us can see heritage, gastronomy, and enjoy the most important thing: our people.”

Montalbán also announced that the City Council continues to work towards having the Pimiento Fair declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, a recognition that would provide a new boost for the tourist and cultural promotion of Villanueva de los Infantes.

More than 400 volunteers participate in the preparation

The preparation of the Giant Pisto began on Saturday afternoon at the Silos, where more than 400 volunteers gathered to participate in the traditional “cortá” (cutting) of the peppers, another sign of the entire municipality's involvement in a celebration that has become one of the great gastronomic events of Castilla-La Mancha.

To prepare the Giant Pisto, 1,800 kilos of peppers, 900 kilos of tomatoes, 90 liters of olive oil, and salt were used. Simple ingredients linked to the Manchego culinary tradition that, thanks to the experience and expertise of the cooks, are transformed into an authentic delicacy.

All of this is cooked in a pan more than five meters in diameter, over holm oak wood, to prepare around 10,000 portions that are subsequently tasted by residents and visitors.

 A festival that unites gastronomy, heritage, and tradition

The Pimiento Fair is organized by the Association for the Tourist Development and Companies of the Campo de Montiel (TURINFA) and the Folklore and Tradition Association “Cruz de Santiago”, with the support of the Villanueva de los Infantes City Council, the Provincial Council of Ciudad Real, and the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha.

Every year, the celebration highlights the ability of Villanueva de los Infantes to turn its products, traditions, and heritage into a tourist attraction and an opportunity for economic revitalization for the municipality and the entire Campo de Montiel region.