This is definitely a trip worth doing… a day trip to the town of Rute in the province of Cordoba famed for the annual creation of a nativity scene – or “Belen” as it is called in Spanish, made entirely of chocolate….
The trip, to take place on Saturday November 24th, has been organised by Manilva’s department of tourism. The town of Rute is renowned for its sweets and pastries made from old recipes using nougat, marzipan, chocolate and liquers. This time of year the town is particularly busy and people travel for miles to buy Mantecados ( a shortbread type of cake made with olive oil and flavoured with a liquer), boxes of chocolates, and special liquers which are all produced locally. But the main draw for visitors has to be the chocolate Belen. Last year’s Belen was a rendition of Malaga city and in previous years it has been of Granada and Sevilla. The Belens are created at Galleros Artisanales cake and sweet factory. by up to 20 people over a period of six months, using nearly two tonnes of chocolate.
The trip is priced at €38.00 per person which includes transport by bus from Manilva, a tour of the city with a guided visit to the chocolate nativity scene, a show and lunch. For more information or to book please contact the Tourism department on 952 897 434. Act soon as places are limited.
Here’s some pics of the past years Belens
