Essència Putxero de Polp de Benissa: When tradition meets El Rall

Next Saturday, February 28, 2026, the historic center of Benissa (Alicante) will be transformed into an authentic feast of flavors with the celebration of Essència Putxero de Polp de Benissa, a unique gastronomic day dedicated to one of the most representative dishes of the traditional cuisine of the Marina Alta: putxero de polp.

What is the putxero de polp?

Originating from the culinary tradition of Benissa, putxero de polp is a Mediterranean stew that combines fresh rock octopus with vegetables, chickpeas or beans, rice, and aromatic spices like saffron and paprika, resulting in a nutritious, flavorful dish deeply rooted in the local culture.

More than just a dish, it is a gastronomic treasure of the area and a reflection of the maritime and family history of generations of Benissa residents.

A feast for all the senses

The Essència event takes place from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and includes:

🍴 A tapas route on Puríssima Street, featuring creative offerings from more than 15 local restaurants and bars.

🍷 A winery area with wine pairings from the Marina Alta region.

🧑‍🍳 A market showcasing local products and crafts made with locally sourced ingredients.

🎶 Live music and cultural activities for the whole family.

And, of course, the traditional preparation of octopus stew (putxero de polp) by the Benissa Housewives Association, with a public tasting included.

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The Rall in Essència:

Show cooking with a star

In this first edition of the event, El Rall has a prominent place in the gastronomic program.

Our chef, Macarena Fortón, winner of the 2025 Cacau d’Or, will lead a live cooking demonstration on Saturday, February 28th at 11:30 a.m. in Plaça Jaume I, accompanied by Paco Alonso, journalist and creator of the Cacau d’Or competition.

It will be an exceptional opportunity to see firsthand how the flavors of the sea and land are reinterpreted with the culinary vision that distinguishes El Rall—a fusion of traditional Mediterranean cuisine and contemporary creativity.

Why is this event important to us?

At El Rall, local gastronomy and the excellence of local produce are the cornerstones of our cuisine. We are proud to represent Benissa at an event that celebrates its culinary identity, promoting recipes that are part of our collective memory and reflect the richness of the region and its producers.

Participating in Essència Putxero de Polp is not only an opportunity to showcase our talent and passion for cooking, but also to connect with the public and the local community in a setting that honors the tradition, creativity, and authentic flavor of the Costa Blanca.

A restaurant with roots and vision

For us, octopus stew is not just a traditional dish; it's an inspiration. It represents the balance between sea and land, simplicity and depth, memory and evolution—values ​​that define the identity of El Rall.

Being present at Essència Putxero de Polp in Benissa means sharing our passion for cooking with locals and visitors, and our commitment to a gastronomy that honors the past while looking to the future.

Passion and tradition in one dish...

Essència Putxero de Polp de Benissa is much more than a gastronomic event. It's a declaration of identity, a celebration of the region, and an opportunity to experience the culinary essence of the Marina Alta firsthand.

At El Rall, we are proud to be part of this event that celebrates our roots and showcases local talent to new horizons.

If you want to discover how tradition transforms into a gastronomic experience, we invite you to join us at Essència and, of course, to visit El Rall in Benissa, where every dish tells a story and every service is a celebration of the Mediterranean.

Book your table now!