Pastelería Galán (Albal) won the award for Best Mocadora 2024 for the quality, flavor and variety of these artisanal marzipan candies, in the 43rd edition of Sant Donísorganized by the Guild of Bakers and Pastries of Valencia, with the sponsorship of the Generalitat Valenciana and the Provincial Deputation of Valencia. The Horn of San Antonio (San Antonio de Benagéber) and the Horn of La Estrella (Valencia) occupy second and third place, respectively.
For its part, the Cuenca Pastry Oven (Valencia), winner of first prize in the Commercial Ornamentation category, stood out for its originality and creativity in the design, composition and artistic presentation of its window. Pastelería Galán and Horno San Antonio also complete the list of winners in this category.
The Sant Donís Competition, organized every year, as by tradition, by the Guild of Bakers and Pastries of Valencia, is the only competition in the Valencian Community that already has 43 editions. A competition which honors these gentle artisans who, each October 9take over the windows of unionized establishments; as well as a sample of the commitment, both of pastry professionals and of the population, with the Valencian artisanal tradition around this celebration and the typical products of the region.
The 43rd edition of the Sant Donís Competition saw the participation of various member establishments who presented their creations in front of a jury made up of master pastry chefs, representatives of consumer associations, AVACU, Tyrius and the Consumers’ Union; representatives of the School of Fine Arts and the specialized press.
Image of the first prize for commercial ornamentation of the Cuenca Pastry Oven
As Laura de Juan, general secretary of the Guild of Bakers and Pastry Chefs of Valence, explains, “with each edition, the jury finds it more difficult to make a decision given the high quality of preparations. “Each of them represents a sample of the extraordinary quality, talent and professionalism of pastry artisans. »
“It is thanks to their passion for this craft and their daily efforts that this tradition remains alive, celebrating not only our roots, but also the art and gastronomy that define our region,” emphasizes Laura de Juan.
Tradition of Sant Donís
Every October 9, Valencia celebrates San Donís, your Valentine in particulara date that also coincides with Valencian Community Day.
On this day, it is traditional for lovers to show their love to their partners with the traditional “Mocadorà”, a tray of marzipan candies, made by hand, a reflection of the creativity of local artisans and a work of art. gastronomic art.
The tradition of mocadorà, which dates back to the 13th centuryhas its roots in the ban imposed by decrees on new factories after the War of Succession. These decrees prohibited Valencians from celebrating the entry of James I into the city of Valencia on October 9, which until then had been commemorated by the throwing of firecrackers. In response, confectioners of the time came up with candies shaped like firecrackers, known as “piulets” and “tronadors,” which remained as symbols of the celebration.
The creativity of pastry chefs does not stop there. They also began to make marzipan in the shape of fruits and vegetables, in homage to the fertility of the Valencian garden and in reference to the custom of the Moors of giving vegetables to Doña Violante of Hungary, wife of Jaume I. Since then, the men offered these treats wrapped in a handkerchief, thus perpetuating a tradition which, century after century, continues to fascinate the Valencians.
