Desamese Festival in Oviedo

Disarmament Festival in Oviedo on the map

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Latitude: 43.3615875 Length: -5.8504453
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History of the Disarmament of Oviedo

A culinary celebration whose origin lies in the Carlist Wars , although there are several versions about this.

The most widespread story recounts that in 1856 one of the factions, on the outskirts of the city, was enjoying a hearty meal of chickpeas with cod and spinach, and during this time of relaxation the enemy took advantage to steal their weapons.

The second interpretation refers to October 18, 1836, when Oviedo repelled the strongest of the Carlist attacks, then the city commemorated the victory with this menu made up of chickpeas with cod.

There is also a third version. It is said that the people of Oviedo, faced with the impossibility of defending the city, let the enemy in and treated them to a "feast" of chickpeas, which led them to drowsiness and a siesta, so the people of Oviedo took advantage of the opportunity to steal their weapons.

The first documented mention of the Desarme festival in local restaurants appeared in 1897. The "Correo de Asturias" newspaper published: "Tripe and Desarme. Served today at Marica Uría's establishment, on San Juan Street, opposite the Balesquida." It so happened that in the late 19th century, Oviedo began its tripe season on October 19th (in other places, they prefer the feast of Saint Martin), and from then on, restaurants offered both dishes: "Desarme" (chickpeas with cod) and tripe, which would eventually be served together. Since then, this famous menu has become a staple of Oviedo's culinary traditions.

In 2021, historical reenactments of the battles that gave rise to the Disarmament celebrations began at various locations throughout the city. More than 150 actors participated, recreating several episodes of the war. These reenactments offer yet another reason to experience the festival with a broader perspective and to delve into the history of Oviedo.

More initiatives have also been added , such as the period costume contest to encourage citizen participation, so Oviedo "dresses up in 19th-century attire." An International Poetry Competition for the Disarmament has also been created, in collaboration with the Association of Writers of Asturias and Asturias World Capital of Poetry.

Disarmament Brotherhood

· Honorary Members . Each year the Brotherhood of Disarmament awards the title of Honorary Members to those people or entities that belong to the Brotherhood or not and by reason of merit, positions they hold or other conditions, help to spread our beloved gastronomic tradition throughout the world.