Sort of boaty….

[Sea-Fever]

I’m on the Costa Del Sol at present.

It seems the done thing in the evening is to fill a boat with sand on the beach then place some firewood in the middle and cook your fish on it. This is a practise conducted by beach side restaurants, but also groups of families who can hire big metal versions provided by the authorities.

I’ve never seen this custom before. Can anyone shed any light on it, the origin or any comment on how widespread it is?

 

[Sea-Fever]

I think I’ve answered my own question but it’s mildly interesting so I’ll post it….amazing what four seconds on Google can reveal. This is a straight cut and paste from an Andalusian tourist website.

MORAGA ON THE BEACH IN ESTEPONA

In Estepona, at either end of the Playa La Rada, you can find a number of fishing boats filled with sand which are used for moragas.

A moraga is a night-time barbeque party, usually held on the beach. It is traditional to Malaga province, but is also found in other parts of Andalucia. A moraga is differentiated from a barbeque in that the food being cooked is an espeto of sardines.

HISTORY

The party of festival has evolved over time. In the 19th century, it was traditionally held after catching fish in the shallow waters with small nets. The fish would be roasted on small wood fires made on the beach and the feast would be accompanied by an evening of evening of guitar music, singing and dancing.

Moragas still take place, but without the fishing, a simple fun day where wood roasted sardines, as well as other types of fish such as mackerel, are enjoyed.

The traditional of roasting of sardines on wooden sticks is a skilled operation. Many chiringuitos on the Malaga (and Andalucia) coast have been using old fishing boats filled with sand as the base for an espeto for the past 30 years. The boats are the ideal height and are painted in vivid colours to look traditional.

 

[Sea-Fever]

There’s something a bit unnerving about seeing a fire in a boat.

 

[Adios]

This thread needed photos! @Capt Popeye another idea for old dinghy usage!

 

[Sea-Fever]

This thread needed photos! @Capt Popeye another idea for old dinghy usage!

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The municipal ones in Fuengirola attract about 20-30 people at a time late into the evening. I imagine it is extended families, with kids running about in the darkness on the beach, it seems a really great thing to do.

No doubt it would come up against all sorts of health and safety, environmental, licensing and general computer says no restriction in the UK.

 

[Adios]

Well all fire is banned now because of drymageddon as the tabloids would have us think of it. Summer to me and you.

 

[Neeves]

Would never catch on in Oz - no mention of either wine nor beer

Jonathan

 

[capnsensible]

They are fab. Normally alongside chirungitos which are bars built on the beach. Plenty of beer and wine for any Dinks passing by and worried about high blood levels in their alcohol stream.

Although much reduced by overfishing, white anchovies are still a big thing on the Costa Del Sol. My favourite, Boquerones.

 

[Sea-Fever]

They are fab. Normally alongside chirungitos which are bars built on the beach. Plenty of beer and wine for any Dinks passing by and worried about high blood levels in their alcohol stream.

Although much reduced by overfishing, white anchovies are still a big thing on the Costa Del Sol. My favourite, Boquerones.

Ah….damn it I’m back home now I should have tried those. I did try the olives stuffed with anchovies though, very nice. Brought a few tins back in the suitcase for good measure.

Carrefour had a great selection of local stuff, ironically, being French. All at extortionate prices….I don’t know how the Spanish afford to eat.