The espicha is one of the highest embodiments of the culture and idiosyncrasies of the Asturian people. Under any pretext imaginable, Asturians get together in a llagar (ciderhouse) to “espichar” (“spigot”) a cider vat or cask. Cider is consumed in this type of feast along with simple food such as Spanish omelette, boiled shoulder of ham, cheese, boiled eggs, savoury pies, etc. What with the cider and the festive atmosphere, merriness does not take long to make its appearance.
The name “espicha” comes from the wooden device made up of a thin spigot with a kind of tap that is introduced into the vat so as to be able to taste its contents.
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