Saffron, often called red gold, is a fragrant spice, which makes paella and other classic Spanish dishes so delicious. Saffron production is an ancient tradition in the central region of Castilla-La Mancha. Small family-run farms continue to grow and harvest saffron on the picturesque fields across the region. It takes 150,000 flowers to produce just 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of dried saffron. The spice is harvested immediately after it blooms. The harvest in La Mancha usually lasts from October 20 to the third week of November.
Saffron, called azafran in Spanish, was brought to Spain in the 10th century by Arabs, who used it in medicine. A species of crocus sativus has three stigmas of red color which are harvested to produce the precious spice. La Mancha is among the few saffron farming areas in Europe, and many chefs consider La Mancha saffron to be the best in the world. Beautiful saffron fields can be seen on the outskirts of Villarrobledo and in other La Mancha towns.
Saffron Festival (October 29-30, 2022)
The largest saffron event in Spain celebrates the cultivation of the red gold of Castilla-La Mancha and the traditional agriculture of the region. Taking place in Consuegra in late October, Saffron Festival features folk dancers, food and crafts vendors. There's plenty of information on the history and customs of the region and various entertainment, such as the proclamation of the Dulcinea and her Ladies in Waiting. Visitors can also stop by at Saffron Museum in nearby Madridejos to learn more about saffron farming.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit La Mancha for the saffron harvest?
To witness the hand-picking saffron process in La Mancha and learn about the region's history and customs from local farmers, visiting between October 20 and the third week of November is recommended. During this time, saffron fields offer beautiful vistas, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Show more
Where can I find small family-run farms to visit during the saffron harvest season?
Numerous small family-run farms cultivate and harvest saffron across the region of La Mancha. Villarrobledo has many saffron fields to explore, while Madridejos boasts the Saffron Museum, where visitors can learn about the region's saffron traditions and purchase authentic saffron from a local producer. Show more
What makes the La Mancha saffron different from saffron produced in other regions of the world?
La Mancha saffron is globally recognized as the best due to the specific climate and ideal soil of the region, along with traditional farming techniques passed down through generations, resulting in high-quality saffron that boasts a distinctive flavor, aroma, and color. As it is hand-picked and processed, it is more expensive than saffron from other regions of the world. Show more
When and where does the Saffron Festival take place?
Consuegra hosts the Saffron Festival every year towards the end of October, and it is Spain's largest saffron event. The festival commemorates traditional agriculture and saffron cultivation and provides numerous activities for visitors, such as folk dancing and food and craft vendors. Other events include the proclamation of the Dulcinea and her Ladies in Waiting. Show more
What can I expect to see and do at the Saffron Festival besides learning about the history and customs of the region?
In addition to learning about La Mancha's saffron traditions, visitors can indulge in guided tours of saffron fields, try traditional dishes made with saffron, and visit the Saffron Museum in Madridejos. Folk dancers, food, and craft vendors are regularly seen in the festival, whereas the proclamation of the Dulcinea and her Ladies in Waiting is a must-see event. Show more
