The pig-slaughter

The traditional pig slaughter is a centuries-old activity that still takes place in rural areas during the early months of winter, enduring in regions like the Alpujarra.
The slaughter mobilizes families—both those who raised and fed the pig and those who did not. This activity is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in our region and holds significant cultural value.


The pigs were fed with farm produce and family meal scraps: corn, fruit, boiled potatoes, and so on. Knowledge and techniques regarding the pig slaughter have been passed down from generation to generation.

In the past, a subsistence economy made the slaughter a necessity for families. Furthermore, it was a time for gathering that involved the entire family and respected—as it still does—the local traditions of each municipality where it took place.


Knowledge and techniques regarding the pig slaughter have been passed down from generation to generation. In the past, a subsistence economy made the slaughter a necessity for families.

Furthermore, it was a time for gathering that involved the entire family and respected—as it still does—the local traditions of each municipality where it took place.


During these days, local wine and *aguardiente* (spirit) flowed freely, accompanied by dishes such as cabbage stew, *asadura* (offal) with potatoes and onion, and paprika soup. Women were responsible for purchasing all the necessary ingredients for making cured meats from local shops.
The women washed the pig intestines—used for the cured meats—at the village fountains; this task is known locally as "washing the *menuo*." After cooking, the blood sausages were hung outdoors on reeds and poles—a process known locally as *orear* (air-drying)—to dry. Casings filled with *longaniza*, *chorizo*, *salchichón*, and other sausages were hung in the upper rooms of the houses. Ribs, blood sausages, and other products were stored in earthenware jars filled with oil so they would keep throughout the year.


During the days of the slaughter, adults would build a swing—known locally as a *meceor*—for the children. It was a festive occasion in which the whole family and neighbors participated; indeed, those with relatives living outside the town would sometimes schedule the event for the weekend so that their family members could attend.