La Fira del Vermut Second Edition Sells Out 200 Arrossada Portions Before Launch in La Cortinada

The second edition of La Fira del Vermut in La Cortinada launched on Saturday with strong attendance and all 200 portions of the popular arrossada sold out before the event began.

Mònica Armengol, councillor for Education, Culture, Youth and Social Welfare in the Comú d'Ordino, said the tickets had been fully distributed in advance, leaving none available on site. Latecomers seeking rice would be disappointed, she noted, but could turn to food trucks and parish restaurants for other options. "People arriving today who want to eat rice won't find tickets, but they'll have the full range from food trucks and local eateries," Armengol explained.

Crowds gathered at the central stalls from early morning, sampling vermuts, exploring artisanal products and soaking up the festive atmosphere despite cooler weather forecasts than last year. Weather conditions held steady through the morning, supporting brisk sales of drinks and food. "Plenty of people are arriving, and we hope it keeps up," the councillor remarked.

This year's highlights include a new picnic area for added comfort, allowing visitors to relax with vermut, potatoes, olives and products from invited producers while lingering in La Cortinada. The Saturday schedule featured a workshop on herbal artisanal liqueurs and drinks, a cultural tour of Cal Pal, an Espinaler tasting and live DJ sets.

Organisers expect crowds to persist through the afternoon and into Sunday. The fair also bolsters Ordino's economy, with Cortinada restaurants seeing direct gains from diners staying on site and other parish venues offering special menus. "Local spots benefit from visitors who come for the fair and eat here, while restaurants across the parish have joined with themed options—everyone gains," Armengol said.