Sa Pobla Goes Spicy: Fira Coenta Draws with Chili, Kids' Program, and Eating Contest

Today hot in Sa Pobla: Chili in all its forms

When you walk on a Saturday morning through the narrow streets of Sa Pobla, there's immediately something in the air: smoke, fried onions — and chili. The Fira Coenta has taken over Plaza Mayor. From 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, visitors can sample dishes that share one thing: heat. And yes, there are variants from Brazil, Uruguay, and even a German booth with a very bold sausage creation.

More than just spicy: family, music, market

The festival is family-friendly. On a small stage beside the church, local bands perform, street food stalls line up, and at the edge children play with colorful balloons. There is a dedicated program for the little ones — a crafts station, a mini cooking class and kid-friendly tastings, in case mom or dad bites off more heat than they can chew. I saw a little girl stubbornly spooning noodles with bell peppers onto a mini plate and proudly showing her red sauce. That's how it goes here.

The stalls run along Carrer Major, in front of the town hall. Some vendors have yellow parasols, others simple awnings. In between: olive oil tasters, local cheese producers and a stand offering homemade basil lemonade — highly recommended to beat the heat after the third chili bite.

Chili-eating contest in the evening — who dares?

The highlight comes in the evening: a chili-eating contest. Those who want to participate could register online beforehand. The rules are simple, the mood is loud. There are no big prizes, rather glory, applause and the respect of those present. I spoke with a participant — he supposedly trains with spicy chips. Does that help? No idea. Bravery doesn't cost entry here, but a bit of courage doesn't hurt.

For everyone still planning: come with comfortable shoes. Bring a bottle of water (or grab the herb lemonade). When it starts cooling around 7:30 PM, the Plaza fills up and conversations get louder — everyone has an opinion on how spicy is "too spicy".

Whoever wants to get informed or secure their own place in the competition can find the registration online on the municipality's event page. And if you're just coming to sample: bring friends — sharing often helps more than heroic biting through.

Location: Plaza Mayor, Sa Pobla (central island). Time: 11:00–20:30. Admission: usually free, some stalls sell tastings.