Plan the meal around the programme. If the group is leaving for a parade, serving and clearing must leave enough time. If guests return after an activity, a meal time that ignores the journey back can leave empty tables and food waiting.
This guide is for associations, comparsas and families in Aspe and the Vinalopó. For a service proposal, see catering in Aspe and the Vinalopó or local fiestas. The fiesta references below were checked 31 October 2026; they do not replace an edition’s programme.
For the edition’s dates and activities, check the Aspe calendar. This guide focuses on organising the group meal.
Calendar references: what to use and what to confirm
| Aspe occasion | Traditional reference and source | What to confirm for the meal |
|---|---|---|
| La Jira or Último Jueves | Thursday before Ash Wednesday, Turismo de Aspe | Annual date, end of performances, venue and access |
| Virgen de las Nieves | Activities on 3 and 5 August in Aspe in even-numbered years, Turismo de Aspe | Annual programme, routes and times |
| Moors and Christians | Traditional reference of 7–10 August, Turismo de Aspe | Departures, parades, meals and returns each day |
Check the live calendar and the council or organising association’s programme before agreeing service. Traditional dates provide context; they do not confirm a booking, an available street or a delivery window. This page does not treat the 2027 programme as published.
Moors and Christians: coordinate every meal
Turismo de Aspe lists eight comparsas, four on each side. For your meal, establish who coordinates the booking and which activities affect the group.
Appoint one person to communicate confirmations and changes. Separate members, guests, children and agreed meals for helpers. If meals run over several days, repeat the count per service rather than copying the first day’s total. The comparsa or filà meal guide develops that process.
Virgen de las Nieves: tradition and the annual programme
The tourism site explains the alternation between Aspe and Hondón de las Nieves and associates Aspe’s major celebration with even-numbered years. It does not establish that there are no other activities or fiesta meals in the town during an odd-numbered year. Check what is actually planned.
Record the meeting point, group route and expected return, alongside the meal time. If some guests arrive from another activity, count their arrival separately. Establish where a vehicle can stop without interfering with routes or authorised access.
La Jira: an outdoor meal needs another check
Turismo de Aspe describes the shared countryside meal after the performances. Planning one requires checking the location and proposed use; a fiesta tradition does not grant permission to light a fire on any plot.
Before choosing live paella cooking, review fire rules and permissions, supplies and an agreed alternative. If the group prefers another format, discuss preparation, transport and delivery. A service that suits the idea still needs confirming with the supplier.
Elsewhere in the Vinalopó: do not copy dates or permits
For an event in Novelda, Elda, Elche, Crevillent or another town, find its calendar page and check the official programme. Activities, venues and street access differ. An Aspe permit or timetable does not transfer to the next town.
Keep a sheet for each location and service: organiser, team access, cooking area, seating and clearing. Use the marquee bar guide for drinks and replenishment, and the rice comparison for the main course.
Information that prevents rewriting the quote
Send the date, address, available programme, meal timing and estimated attendance per service. Explain water, electricity, refrigeration and venue equipment without assuming they are included. Communicate dietary requirements before choosing the menu.
Ask the proposal to detail food, drinks, staff, tableware, transport, setup and clearing. You can request a quote for your fiesta meal or ask which venue details are still needed. Terms are agreed for the actual event.