May 25 to 31 Blue Crab festival in Los Alcázares
A gastronomic treat for seafood lovers in Los Alcázares and Los Narejos
The Atlantic blue crab, Cannectes sapidus, is, as its name suggests, a native of the western Atlantic, particularly the Chesapeake Bay, Louisiana and New Jersey, and is widely farmed for commercial purposes. For this reason, when it began to appear in the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor around 12 years ago this was widely lamented as it is a voracious predator and a threat to native mollusc species such as cockles, jellyfish and cuttlefish.
What’s more, the blue crab adapts easily to different levels of salinity, is resistant to pollutants and can thrive with very little oxygen, making the highly saline water of the Mar Menor no threat to its survival, and during its 3-year lifespan it can reach widths of over 20 centimetres.
However, the local community in Los Alcázares has been quick to seize upon the opportunity to exploit another property of the species: its rich taste! This has proved such a success that the Blue Crab show is returning to the town between 25th and 31st May, featuring a tapas route, various show cooking events, video recipes and trips on the local tourist train.
The “El Habanero” tourist train will be in operation on Monday 25th and Wednesday 27th May with live music on board and stopping at the different establishments taking part in the event on each day. On both dates the tour starts at 20.30 at the Town Hall and the destinations are El Barco de Papel (Los Narejos), Restaurante El Cortez (Los Narejos), La Casa de Papel (Los Alcázares) and El Rincón de Cristina (Los Alcázares), with tickets available online here at a cost of 19.64 euros including costs.
This price includes a tapa and a drink at each of the four establishments featured, but please note that those registering must be at least 18 years old.
For more local information in English, including news, what’s on and visiting advice, contact the tourist offices in Los Alcázares (main telephone number 968 575756) or go to the home page of Los Alcázares Today.
Address
Avenida 13 de Octubre, 12, Los AlcazaresTel: 968 575756
Information for residents and visitors in Los Alcázares and Los Narejos
Despite being a relatively small municipality Los Alcázares relies to such a large extent on year-round tourism that it operates two tourist information offices, one in the town itself and the other in the seafront district of Los Narejos.
The fully qualified staff at both offices strive to provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your time in Los Alcázares, recommending places to visit, things to do and upcoming events in the area as well as practical help. The multitude of leaflets on offer will help you to fully enjoy the Costa Cálida and the Mar Menor!
Contact details:
Los Alcázares office
Avenida Trece de Octubre, 8, 30710 Los Alcázares, Murcia (click for map)
Open year-round weekdays 9.00 to 14.00.
Additional opening hours in summer during the afternoon, weekdays 17.00 to 19.00 and on Saturday and Sunday mornings 10.00 to 13.00.
Telephone: 968 575756
Email: turismo@losalcazares.es
Los Narejos office
Avenida Cartagena, esquina Calle Piscis (click for map)
Open on weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 throughout the year.
Telephone: 968 582119
Email: turismolosnarejos@losalcazares.es
