The legacy of ancient civilizations
Ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Incas, Mayans, Iberians and Celts stood out for their use of legends to understand the mysteries of nature and communicate social values and legal norms to their community. These stories, loaded with meaning, educated and warned about dangers, in addition to conveying threats about what could happen if the commands of the gods were not followed.
The lasting influence of legends
Each region inherits from the cultures that have previously occupied it. We gaze with admiration at the impressive constructions made with proto-technological methods, we still use their infrastructures and mold primitive languages in our own way. However, we have put legends aside, considering them obsolete and naive. In this age of information and science, we quickly fall into the trap of fake news on social networks without questioning the veracity of the sources.
Rescuing traditions with history
Really, there is a small treasure that we should protect as a valuable relic: horchata. Going to have a horchata is not only enjoying a refreshing drink, but also an opportunity to share a healthy social moment without adverse effects. Living the experience of ‘going for a horchata’ becomes a social practice as valuable as enjoying an afternoon outdoors.
Enjoying horchata: a summer tradition
Although you could drink horchata at any time of the year, consuming it in the summer, specifically in traditional places like ‘Cal Jijoneru’, is part of summer customs. Those who don’t enjoy horchata have other delicious options such as the Medio-Medio, the Suspiro or the Cubanito, each with unique combinations of horchata and other ingredients.
A look at the Jijoneros
Los Jijoneros, whether they belong to a chain or are individually owned, have in common the tradition of producing and selling products such as ice cream and horchata. Jijona, a small town in Alicante, is known for its nougat production. Local artisans, to diversify the economy seasonally concentrated around Christmas, began selling ice cream during the summer.
The La Jijonenca chain: a success story
More than half a century ago, a group of small producers came together to create common facilities to produce ice cream, nougat and horchata. This is how La Jijonenca was born, a cooperative that today manages 900 establishments and brings together more than 700 members. It is a story of perseverance and adaptability that reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of the region.
Light conversations when drinking horchata
Spending the afternoon in a Jijonero involves pleasant talks, organizing trips or remembering past vacations. You can even talk about the etymology of the word horchata, which derives from the Latin ‘hordeata’, meaning ‘barley water’. Originally, horchata was made with almonds, a luxury that only the rich could afford, but over time tigernuts were used, especially in the region of Valencia.
The legend of horchata
Although there are documented stories about the evolution of horchata, it is more fun to remember the legend that says that the King of Aragon Jaume I, known as the Conqueror, tried the drink and called it ‘oro, chata’. This story, although it lacks historical rigor, adds a charming element to the rich tradition of horchata.