Although Spaniards do not consume as much as Asians, their gastronomy would not be the same without rice. Rice consumption in Spain is estimated at 7 kilos per person per year and rice cultivation exceeds 720,000 tonnes.
Without a doubt, the cradle of rice cultivation in Spain is the Valencian Community. It was introduced by the Muslims in the year 711. With a large number of wetlands along the entire coastline, rice cultivation takes place in the three Valencian provinces, although it mainly takes place in the area of influence of the Albufera nature reserve.
Next to this nature reserve is the town of Sueca, with a population of 27,000 people. Sueca is known as “the rice-growing town of Spain” and, during the month of September, it worships this crop, which is the basis of its local economy. It does so with its famous Rice Festival, declared to be of Tourist Interest, so that all its inhabitants and visitors can enjoy an extensive programme of leisure and cultural activities.
Thus, Sueca is a place where you can take part in the international paella tasting and competition and attend the rice parade. In addition to these classic events, you can also enjoy others such as sports tournaments, live music concerts and concerts by municipal bands, firework displays, open-air dances, children’s games, gastronomic competitions and much more.
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