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Enjoy the Xatonadas in Catalonia!

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In Catalonia, winter not only brings cold weather, but also a gastronomic tradition that delights everyone: xatonadas.

Xató is the star of these gatherings. This typical dish is prepared with escarole, desalted cod, tuna, anchovies and Arbequina olives, all seasoned with a delicious sauce made from ñoras, almonds, hazelnuts, garlic and olive oil. The combination of intense flavours and varied textures makes xató an irresistible delight, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Each town in the regions of Garraf, Penedès and Baix Gaià has its own version of xató, with small variations that reflect the identity and particularities of each area.

The origin of xató is closely linked to wine culture. When the wine from the new harvest was ready to be tasted, a ceremony called "aixetonar la bóta" was performed, which consisted of placing a small tap on the barrel to allow the wine to flow. the wine came out. This moment marked the beginning of the new wine festival, which was accompanied by a meal with salty ingredients such as salted fish, served with escarole and seasoned with a special sauce, giving rise to the current xató.

One of the main attractions is the "La Ruta del Xató" (The Route of Xató), which allows you to discover the different interpretations of this dish in municipalities such as Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Vilafranca del Penedès, Calafell or El Vendrell. The tour invites participants to taste local variants of xató while enjoying the landscape and history of each village.

In addition, xatonadas are a perfect opportunity to promote the consumption of local products and discover the rich winemaking tradition of the region. The wines and cavas of Penedès pair perfectly with xató, elevating the culinary experience even further.

In short, xatonadas are a unique celebration that combines gastronomy, culture and fun. If you are a lover of good food and are looking for an authentic and flavourful experience, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a xatonada.

This winter, let yourself be seduced by the magic of xató and discover why this tradition continues to captivate generation after generation!

 

Events

The Xató Route

From 23 November 2025 to 22 March 

The Xató Route is an experience that goes far beyond good food and good drink, it is a gastronomic route, closely linked to the wines of the DO Penedès and a unique dish in the world, the tasty xató. It includes more than…

Xató Festival in Vilanova i la Geltrú

23 November 2025 

The Xató Route begins a new season with the long-awaited Xató Festival in Vilanova i la Geltrú! The Xató Festival is held in conjunction with the Market Festival at the Mercat de Mar, an ideal opportunity to discover…

Sitges Xató Week

8 February 

Xató is the star dish of the Sitges Carnival! Because as is well known, and as tradition dictates, for Carnival a good Xató cannot be missing from the table! The 8th of February come and enjoy the star of the show at the Sitges…

Popular Xatonada of El Vendrell

22 February 

On Sunday 22nd February, El Vendrell will host its annual Xatonada Popular, a celebration that turns the Rambla del Vendrell into a meeting point for friends, families and xató lovers. If you like local gastronomy and culture, you are…

Xató Week in Sant Pere de Ribes

From 23 February to 1 March 

Sant Pere de Ribes is part of the Xató Route, a gastronomic and tourism initiative that brings together different towns in the Greater Penedès region with the aim of promoting the area through its signature dish: xató.…

Popular Xatonada in Cunit

28 February 

Don't miss the Cunit Popular Xatonada! The seafront promenade comes alive with the Xatonada Popular. This festival, dedicated to one of the most emblematic dishes of the Baix Penedès region, brings together locals and visitors to enjoy…

Popular Xatonada in Cubelles

1 March 

Don't miss a new edition of the popular Xatonada in Cubelles, with the Children's and Adult Xatona Masters Competition and many more surprises! Catalonia is a region that, among other things, stands out for its gastronomy. Mediterranean cuisine…

Popular Xatonada in the Bisbal del Penedès

8 March 

La Bisbal del Penedès celebrates its Xatonada Popular as a gastronomic and festive gathering that highlights one of the region's most emblematic dishes. The event brings together locals, families, and visitors around a menu that pays…

Xató Festival in Vilafranca del Penedès

15 March 

The Xató Festival arrives once again in Vilafranca del Penedès! A typical Penedès dish that you can enjoy with the characteristics of the five destinations where it is typical: Vilafranca, Vilanova, El Vendrell, Sitges…

Popular Xatonada of Calafell

22 March 

This escarole-based salad, characteristic of Greater Penedès, had never stopped being consumed at home and appeared on the menus of some establishments. But the entry of Calafell into the Xató Route, in 2001, gave renewed impetus…

June 18, World Sustainable Gastronomy Day

18 June

This June 18 is the Day of Sustainable Gastronomy. The set of dishes and culinary uses typical of a certain place is one more expression of the natural and cultural diversity of the planet. With the celebration of this Day, they try to promote…

Events

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