A Sweet Event for the Whole Family
This weekend, on 21st and 22nd March, the charming municipality of El Escorial, located less than an hour from Madrid, will transform into a paradise for chocolate lovers. The III Chocolate Days, organised by the local Town Hall, promise a unique experience that combines gastronomy, history, and family entertainment.
Over two days, attendees will be able to enjoy a varied programme that includes chocolate tastings, showcookings, historical tours, and children's workshops. Additionally, there will be treasure hunts and theatrical performances to keep families entertained. All activities are free until capacity is reached, making this event accessible to everyone.
One of the highlights of the event is the celebration of the historical legacy of Matías López y López, a key entrepreneur in the 19th-century chocolate industry. His factory not only put El Escorial on the map as a reference for chocolate in Spain but also left a deep cultural imprint. To honour his memory, guided tours will be held, and an exhibition dedicated to the working history linked to cocoa will be presented.
The programme will kick off on Friday with the theatrical play Charlie and the Matías López Factory, which will take place at the Pilar Herranz Cultural Centre. The official opening of the event will be on Saturday, coinciding with the opening of the exhibition about Matías López. This combination of art and gastronomy promises to attract both locals and visitors.
Throughout the weekend, specialised tastings such as tree to bar and bean to bar experiences will be offered. Renowned experts like Carlos Navarro (Cacao Amari) and Mayte Sánchez (Maychoco) will lead these sessions where participants will learn about the cocoa process from its origin to becoming delicious bars. There will also be practical workshops taught by María Victoria Markman (Vicky Cake) focused on chocolate pastry techniques.
Starting on Saturday, the stands of 17 local chocolatiers will be open to the public from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 21:00. Visitors will be able to taste a variety of products ranging from artisanal chocolates to fine pastries, as well as purchase products directly from the producers.
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