Calling all foodie fans: The Pego Rice Festival returns with flavour, zest, and……. rice!
Pego is once again honouring one of its most treasured local products: rice.
The 17th Bomba and Bombó Rice Gastronomic Festival will take over the town from 18 to 26 October, turning this humble grain into the star of the autumn menu.
Menus will be available in Valencian, Spanish, and English, so everyone can join in the feast.
Ten local restaurants, Casino, Ca Briones, Chacarita, El Moss, Bar Daniel, L’Om, Llit i Taula, Rafel, La Placeta, and Zorrilla, will serve special menus featuring rice as the main attraction, alongside starters and desserts. It is a delicious annual tradition that has become a highlight of Pego’s culinary calendar.
Pego Rice Festival: Autumn comfort food
“We use seasonal ingredients and keep things local,” explains restaurateur José Dominguis, who is taking part again this year. “We hold one event in May and another in October. In spring, dishes are drier and lighter; in autumn, we go for more comforting, brothy rice. It is perfect for the season.”
For Dominguis, the festival is also about pride of place. “It’s a great way to open our doors and showcase our food. We have got fantastic ingredients here, not just rice, and we should shout about them.”
Raül Tamarit, Councillor for Commerce-Creama, agrees. “These events bring people closer to our region’s quality produce and strengthen ties between consumers, producers, and local businesses. They also create jobs, boost the economy, and keep our traditions alive.”
Full stomachs and souvenirs
As always, diners will leave with full stomachs, and a small souvenir. This year’s gift is a wooden spoon, a nod to the traditional way of enjoying rice straight from the pan.
As Dominguis puts it, “Everyone should know the best rice dishes are made right here in Pego.”
Pego Rice Festival
