A pincho (Spanish; literally “thorn” or “spike”), pintxo (Basque) or pinchu (Asturian) is a small snack, typically eaten in bars, traditional in northern Spain and especially popular in the Basque country, Navarre, La Rioja, Cantabria, and Asturias. They are usually eaten in bars or taverns as a small snack, in the company of friends or relatives; thus, they have a strong socializing component, and, in the Basque country and Navarre, they are usually regarded as a cornerstone of local culture and society. They are related to tapas, the main difference being that pinchos are usually ‘spiked’ with a skewer or toothpick, often to a piece of bread. They are served in individual portions and always ordered and paid for independently from the drinks. It is not impossible, however, for the same item to be called pincho in one place and tapa in another. read more…
The Mercado de la Ribera (Ribera Market) is a market square in Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Province of Biscay in the north of Spain. It is on the right bank of the Nervion River, next to Casco Viejo. Its built area of 10,000 square metres (110,000 sq ft) makes it the biggest covered market in Europe. Inside it, there are stalls that sell different products, mostly fresh produce. There are fish markets, butchers and green grocers. There is also a part of the market for the local farmers’ products. read more…
Barakaldo (Spanish: Baracaldo; Basque: Barakaldo) is a municipality located in the Biscay province in the Basque Country in Spain. Located on the Left Bank of the Estuary of Bilbao, the city is part of Greater Bilbao, has a population as of the 2019 census at 100,881. Barakaldo has an industrial river-port heritage and has undergone significant redevelopment with new commercial and residential areas replacing the once active industrial zones. read more…
Tudela is a municipality in Spain, the second largest city of the autonomous community of Navarre and twice a former Latin bishopric. Its population is around 35,000. The city is sited in the Ebro valley. Fast trains running on two-track electrified railways serve the city and two freeways (AP 68 and AP 15) join close to it. Tudela is the capital of the agricultural region of Ribera Navarra, and also the seat of the courts of its judicial district. read more…
Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital city of Basque Autonomous Community and of the province of Álava in northern Spain. It holds the autonomous community’s House of Parliament, headquarters of the Government and Lehendakari’s (Prime Minister’s) official residency. It is also the largest city in Basque Country with a population of 242,082 people (2014). The dwellers of Vitoria-Gasteiz are called vitorianos or gasteiztarrak, while traditionally they are dubbed babazorros (Basque for ‘bean eaters’). read more…
