MANUEL MARÍA PUGA Y PARGA, PICADILLO
“Tapas” in A Coruña is more than a tradition, it is already part of the culture of the people of A Coruña, to such an extent that it is capable of having an impact on a collective character, with a taste for good and varied gastronomy in a relaxed and lively atmosphere, as well as being respectful of pockets.
That is why the Picadillo A Coruña Tapas Competition is being held from 24th November to 3rd December 2023, the 19th edition of the Competition. Innovation and tradition, creativity and exaltation of the raw materials, come together in dozens of tapas that recall the meetings with friends, along the routes of bars and gastronomy that offer responsible moments of fun and enjoyment to the palate.
The Picadillo Tapas Competition owes its name to D. Manuel María Puga y Parga, better known as Picadillo. Mayor of A Coruña between 1915 and 1917. As well as being a politician, he was a writer, a gastronome and was considered by the citizens to be a better person. The combination of these skills resulted in successful works such as A cociña popular galega e algunhas receitas para coresma, Pote aldeano, La cocina práctica, 36 maneras de guisar el bacalao and Vigilia reservada.
Extraordinarily popular, his wit and sense of humour stood out, which he applied not only to politics and cooking, but also when referring to himself: 'In 1882 I was a gentleman who was 8 years old and weighed about 75 kilos', alluding to his corpulence for which he was also famous.
He always defended popular life and, whenever he could, he defended cod, sardines and 'lacón con grelos' against the more elaborate cuisine of other countries, so fashionable at the time among high society.
We pay special tribute to such a great character of the city in the Picadillo de A Coruña Tapas Competition.