The Desarme of Oviedo
The Desarme Festival dates back to 1836, when Oviedo offered a dish of chickpeas with pork to soldiers after a military disarmament episode. Today, it has become one of the city’s most beloved celebrations, recently declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
Every year, the Gastronomic Brotherhood of the Desarme organizes a week of cultural, historical, and culinary activities, with a highlight: the traditional menu served in dozens of restaurants.
Date 2025
On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Day of the Desarme will be celebrated, with the official menu available in restaurants across Oviedo. The Desarme Days will extend through the previous and following days with a wide program of cultural and festive events.
Booking in advance is highly recommended. The final program will be published by the organizers when available.
Traditional menu
- StarterChickpeas with cod and spinach
- Main courseAsturian-style tripe
- DessertRice pudding
This menu, unchanged since its origins, symbolizes fellowship and Oviedo’s culinary identity.
Planned activities (draft 2025)
The organizers have published a provisional PDF (DRAFT) of the Desarme Days 2025, which includes cultural activities, contests, proclamations, concerts, and parades from early October to the end of the month.
- Children’s drawing contest and menu raffle.
- Presentation of the event in Madrid.
- International Poetry Contest “The Desarme in Verse”.
- Proclamation from the Town Hall balcony and rifle salvo.
- Music band festival and brotherhood parade.
- Recitals, concerts, and culinary and historical conferences.
- Solemn Chapter of the Desarme Brotherhood.
⚠️ This program is provisional. You can check the full draft here: Download provisional PDF. The final official program will be published on the official website once approved.
History
The Desarme commemorates a historical event from 1836 and has evolved into a consolidated gastronomic, cultural, and identity festival of Oviedo. Thousands of diners enjoy the menu every year, while cultural events, historical reenactments, and educational activities are carried out by the Gastronomic Brotherhood of the Desarme.
Practical tips
- Book early: restaurants and cider houses fill up quickly.
- Choose central areas like Gascona or El Fontán if you want a festive atmosphere.
- Also explore neighborhood restaurants, which usually have more availability.
- Combine the menu with visits to the historic center and cultural activities.
*Information is subject to changes by the organizers.