Malcocinado stands out for its open, remarkably regular layout: white rural buildings and numerous garden areas are part of its character. A regional plan identifies the area as an agricultural mountain zone within the major olive-growing landscapes. The clear town layout and the agricultural cultural landscape thus offer two distinct perspectives. Those interested in cultural history and rural heritage can use both themes as a thread for their trip.
Townscape and History
Malcocinado’s origins date back to the 16th century. The town began as a settlement of shepherds dependent on Guadalcanal. The parish church of San Antonio de Padua adds to this historical picture: it is a simple building with late-period architecture dating from the 18th century. Later alterations make its present-day appearance difficult to define stylistically. Historically, the parish church was affiliated with the Church of Santa MarĂa la Mayor in Guadalcanal. Until 1862, the parish was named Iglesia Parroquial de la PurĂsima ConcepciĂłn. The historic Cañada Real can also be linked to specific places: it ran past today’s Puerto de la Higuera and along the road to AlanĂs.
Water as Cultural Heritage
The water installations served a variety of purposes. Pilar Grande includes a significant adjoining livestock watering trough. The traditional Fuente de la Machacona lies below ground level; brick and stone steps lead down to its water outlets. The remains of an old washhouse can be found outside Malcocinado. Two old water-lifting structures have also been preserved as ethnographic heritage outside the town. The watering trough, water outlets, washhouse and water-lifting structures reveal different historical facets of the theme of water.
Festivals Throughout the Year
Several festivals offer specific dates to help plan your trip. The festival of San Antonio de Padua on June 13 includes a Mass, a procession and a traditional dance event. The pilgrimage usually takes place on the second or third Saturday in May. The celebration of Nuestra Señora del Rosario on October 7 includes a Mass and a procession. The dates of the Feria del Emigrante vary in August. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the dates for the relevant year in advance.
Regional Cuisine and Accommodation
In Extremadura, traditional dishes and desserts are made using produce from agriculture and livestock farming. Two pastries offer a closer look at local recipes. Gañotes are made with two eggs, a quarter measure of oil, sugar, a quarter measure of white wine boiled with matalahúva and cinnamon, one kilogram of flour and aguardiente. The shaped dough is deep-fried in plenty of oil and then coated with honey. Perrunillas are prepared with one kilogram of lard, five eggs, lemon zest, two glasses of aguardiente, three kilograms of sugar, bicarbonate of soda and three-quarters of a kilogram of flour. The dough is shaped and baked. Before baking, one egg white is set aside and brushed onto the pastries; they are then sprinkled with a little sugar.
Visitors to Malcocinado can find comfortable accommodation in country houses. Before your trip, check their availability and operating details, especially if you want to coordinate your accommodation with specific festival dates.
Discover more destinations: Villalba De Los Barros, Benquerencia De La Serena, Risco, Carmonita, Bienvenida, Peraleda del Zaucejo, Valverde De Leganés, Zalamea De La Serena.
View the broader travel guide: Badajoz.
