Torrelavega will celebrate the fourth edition of the Week of Cocido from 31 October to 7 November, organised by the Brotherhood of Cocidos de Cantabria in collaboration with the Torrelavega City Council. The event was announced by Jesús Sánchez, the councillor for dynamisation, alongside Alfonso Fraile, president of the Brotherhood, and member Luis Cordero.
Sánchez highlighted that the Week of Cocido has become a 'classic' event in Torrelavega, thanking the Brotherhood for continuing an initiative that began with Gabriel Argumosa, whose legacy will be specially acknowledged in this edition. He also expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors and its members for their commitment to promoting Torrelavega, helping to attract visitors and new proposals to the city.
Fraile emphasised the strong connection between the Brotherhood and the city, stating that one of the aims of the Week is to 'bring products closer, bring territory closer' and to showcase what Torrelavega offers both within and outside Cantabria.
Gran Capítulo to kick off the festivities
The Week of Cocido will commence on Saturday, 31 October, with the celebration of the sixth Gran Capítulo of the Brotherhood of Cocidos de Cantabria, a central event during which new members will be appointed. Chef Floren Bueyes will be named Cofrade de Honor in recognition of his contributions to promoting Cantabrian cuisine. Additionally, the Madrid restaurant El Mordisco will receive the title of Gran Embajador for its commitment to including cocido montañés on its menu, thereby helping to popularise the dish beyond Cantabria.
Lola Argumosa, granddaughter of Gabriel Argumosa, will also join as a new cofrade, a nomination that Fraile expressed particular joy about due to her family's historical ties to the Brotherhood. The Gran Capítulo will take place at 12:00 in the Círculo de Recreo, following a reception for participating brotherhoods and a procession through the streets of Torrelavega. The day will conclude with a meal featuring Puchero de Torrelavega as the main dish.
Puchero de Torrelavega takes centre stage
Another highlight of this edition will be the Puchero de Torrelavega, created by Luis Cordero and chosen by the Brotherhood as the city's representative dish. Fraile noted that the Puchero will be the 'main course' of the Gran Capítulo menu and will also feature its own activities during the Week of Cocido. Tastings will be held in a marquee at Plaza Baldomero Iglesias at 12:00, accommodating 40 participants. On Monday, 2 November, a chocolate tasting led by master pastry chef Luis Ruiz Vega will take place; on Wednesday, 4 November, a pairing tasting of Cocido Montañés and Casona Micaela wines will be offered; and on Friday, 6 November, a pairing tasting of Puchero de Torrelavega and Alto de Castro wines will be conducted.
Traditional events to conclude the week
The programme will culminate on Saturday, 7 November, with two of the most characteristic activities of the Week. At 12:30, the Albarcas Race 'Capellán Race' – II Memorial Gabriel Argumosa will take place, covering a distance of 400 metres between the Church of the Assumption and the Church of the Virgen Grande. This event serves as a tribute to the former president of the Brotherhood and one of the driving forces behind this initiative. Sánchez highlighted the 'fundamental' role that Argumosa continues to play in the Brotherhood, while Fraile remembered him as his 'predecessor' in the organisation.
On the same day, the fifth Contest of Ollas Ferroviarias 'Ciudad de Torrelavega' will be held in the porticoes of Plaza Mayor, focusing on the traditional preparation of cocido montañés. Participants can begin their preparations from 08:00, with the pots being lit at 09:00. By 13:30, they must submit their dishes for judging, with awards scheduled for 14:00. The contest will distribute five prizes of €300, €150, €100, €75, and €60, along with a special prize of €50 for the highest-ranked participant residing in Torrelavega. Registration is free and can be done individually or in groups.
