Gastronomy

Ibizan flaó will have its own festival: "The taste of tradition and the richness of our history go hand in hand"

Sant Josep de sa Talaia will host gastronomic and cultural activities from April 10th to 12th to celebrate this emblematic cake of Pitiusan cuisine

Ibizan flan mixing soft cheese with trash and sheep's cheese.
ARA Balears
Upd. 12
2 min

PalmThe first World Days of Ibizan Flaó are here. Sant Josep de sa Talaia will host several events and presentations on the weekend of April 10-12 with the aim of promoting and reviving one of the most important traditional dishes of the Pitiusas Islands, at a time when globalization seems to be consuming local traditions and history.

During the event, attendees can enjoy talks, tastings, culinary demonstrations, and concerts. Representatives from Sardinia, where flaó is also part of the gastronomic history, will also participate. The organizers (the Es Cubells Neighborhood Association, the Ibiza Council, and the Sant Josep de sa Talaia Town Hall) emphasize in the invitation that this event is a "unique occasion, where the taste of tradition and the richness of our history go hand in hand." They also highlight that it is the perfect opportunity to discover that behind flaó lies "a living, diverse legacy full of nuances to explore." "You can try ancestral recipes all in one place and connect with our roots in the most delicious way: bite by bite," they emphasize. Tickets are now available through the Eventbrite website and cost 10 euros.

What is flaón?

Ibizan flaó is one of the most unique dishes in the traditional pastry of the Pitiusas Islands. It is a sweet tart made with fresh cheese and sage, on a crispy pastry base, combining sweet flavors with a characteristic vegetal touch. This combination makes it one of the most recognizable gastronomic symbols of Ibiza and Formentera. The origin of flaó dates back centuries and is closely linked to peasant tradition and the festive calendar. Historically, it was a sweet associated with Easter, a time when, after Lent, the consumption of eggs and dairy products was resumed. The recipe was based on local ingredients such as goat or sheep cheese, eggs, sugar, and sage, in a culinary context marked by seasonality. The term "flaó" has medieval roots and appears documented in various territories of the Crown of Aragon, although with diverse forms and recipes. In the Pitiusas Islands, this recipe evolved to adopt the current combination of sweet cheese and mint, unusual in other versions.

Over time, flaó has transcended its festive origins to become a central element of Ibizan cuisine. Today, it is found both at home and in bakeries and restaurants, maintaining its value as an expression of the island's culinary tradition and identity.

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