Logroño, (EFE).- The Fish Brotherhood is already “heating up the stoves” to organize the traditional distribution of bread, fish and wine on June 11, in fulfillment of the vow to San Bernabé, the patron saint of Logroño.
The senior brother of this entity, Fernando Azofra, has indicated to EFE that next Sunday the brotherhood plans to distribute some 27,000 servings of bread, fish and wine in front of the Revellín walls, in memory of the food thanks to which the people of Logroño resisted the siege of the French troops in 1521.
The members of the Cofradía del Pez, accompanied by a hundred relatives and friends, are in charge each year of fulfilling this tradition, which is one of the most emblematic and multitudinous acts in the festival of San Bernabé.
502 years ago, the people of Logroño tenaciously resisted the siege of the French army thanks to the fish poached in the Ebro River, the wine stored in the city’s underground cellars and the humblest of all foods: bread, made from wheat from local barns.
On June 11, 1521, the day of San Bernabé, the siege was finally broken and Logroño made the saint its patron, in gratitude and commemoration of that date.
Rioja food
Azofra has detailed that, from first thing in the morning, until 2:00 p.m., the cooks will work on frying the fish, for which extra virgin olive oil from a press in Aldeanueva de Ebro will be used and around 925 kilos of trout fingerlings of about 35 grams each piece.
Last year the bread roll was replaced by a slice of sobado bread, which was more comfortable to support the fish and taste it, he added, and also, “this is how an artisan product from La Rioja is promoted”; and there will also be special gluten-free bread for celiacs.
This tasty morsel will be accompanied by young Rioja red wine, donated by the Vivanco family, which has provided around a thousand liters.
As “tradition dictates”, those from Logroño who want it can purchase the typical clay jug with the detailed date, although he has pointed out that the potter who makes them is close to retiring, so a replacement will have to be found for future editions.
the brotherhood
Currently, the Brotherhood of the Fish is made up of 41 members, divided into 8 emeritus members, 24 number members and 8 honor members.
According to the statutes of the brotherhood, there can only be 26 brotherhoods by number, as a result of the sum of 11+6+1+5+2+1 (June 11, 1521).
The only condition to be elected a member of this entity is to be from Logroño and to stand out for the defense of the traditions of the Riojan capital.
In order to accommodate those who, without having been born in Logroño, are distinguished by their dedication to these values, there is the category of honorary brother, which is identical to that of number, in its duties and responsibilities.
Before beginning the distribution of bread, fish and wine, every San Bernabé the members of the brotherhood attend mass in the church of Santiago and later share a lunch of crumbs in the Modern Cafe to gather strength for the day.