La Asociación de Empresarios Turísticos de la Sierra de Albarracín has organized these days, sponsored by the Sierra de Albarracín District and the Government of Aragón. The event is part of the mycological activities that the organization has been developing since 2010 to promote knowledge of the natural heritage and encourage respectful and responsible foraging.
The event aims to teach participants to see the countryside from a different perspective. The goal goes beyond filling a basket or telling edible mushrooms from poisonous ones: it also seeks to spark curiosity about the world of fungi, teach participants how to identify species and help them understand the importance of the habitats where they grow. “We want those who take part in these days to discover that the true value of mycology lies not in the number of mushrooms we collect, but in everything we learn while looking for them,” the organizers say. “Knowing the species, understanding ecosystems and learning to respect their natural cycles is also a way of enjoying and caring for our territory.”
MYCOLOGICAL WALKS AND A TALK ON HOW TO PRESERVE MUSHROOMS
The program includes walks in the countryside accompanied by expert mycologists, practical identification workshops and training on sustainable foraging. All activities will take place in small groups to encourage participation and ensure an engaging experience that respects the environment. The program will begin on Thursday, October 22, at 9:45 a.m., with the reception of participants at the Hotel El Molino in Bezas. From 10:00 a.m., participants will take part in a guided mycological walk, where they will learn to recognize different species and discover the keys to responsible foraging.
The activity will continue in the afternoon, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., with the talk "How to Handle Mushrooms in the Kitchen: Preservation and Preparation," given by Gonzalo Castillo, a technician at the Albarracín Community Mycological Park. This session will explore the culinary side of mycology and teach participants how to handle mushrooms properly. On Friday, October 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., there will be a second guided walk focused on collecting different species and putting into practice the knowledge acquired the previous day.
Autumn is one of the favorite seasons for mushroom enthusiasts and a good time to discover the diversity of fungi in the forests of the Sierra de Albarracín. Although their appearance depends on rainfall and temperatures, saffron milk caps, boletes, charcoal burners, waxcaps and cardoon mushrooms are among the species that attract the greatest mycological interest at this time of year.
REGISTRATION, PRICES AND DISCOUNTS FOR PARTICIPANTS
With this initiative, the Asociación de Empresarios Turísticos de la Sierra de Albarracín is reaffirming its commitment to nature tourism based on knowledge, environmental education and respect for the surroundings. The event will also offer an opportunity to enjoy the district's forests in autumn and discover its cuisine, while seeking to boost overnight stays and spending at local businesses through discounts and vouchers for participating establishments.
General registration costs 25 euros, but the price is reduced to 15 euros for those who book accommodation at an establishment belonging to the business association. Both rates include all activities on the program, a permit to forage in the Mycological Park on Friday and a 10-euro voucher redeemable at participating establishments. Children under 15 can take part free of charge, although they must also reserve a place.
Several participating accommodations and tourism businesses are also offering special discounts to attendees. The discounts can be found in the events section of www.albarracinturismo.com, where registration can also be completed. Places are limited to 30 participants.
