When September arrives, Antequera tends to smell different every day. Sesame, cinnamon, almonds, and other aromas remind us that it's time for mantecados. These sweets have been given as gifts or shared at Christmas for centuries, and today they are the reason why many visitors flock to the city in autumn.
Mantecado appeared in the 16th century as a result of an excess of cereals and lard, and not in the Arab period as is often thought, since this culture would not have used lard. History tells us that the first recipe was created here in Antequera. Proof of this can be found in a very old fresco painted on the ceiling of the plenary hall of Antequera Town Hall.
Due to its low cost, mantecado became the sweet treat that was always present on Antequera tables during the Christmas season.
Its commercialization had to wait until the mid-19th century, when the railroad made it possible to transport it to Madrid and the city's factories became suppliers to the Royal Household.
There are still numerous bakeries and convents that, at this time of year, make mantecados with a wide variety of flavors, even using olive oil instead of lard, some of them baked in wood-fired ovens.
They also tend to produce polvorones, which are generally elongated and whose recipe includes less lard, more flour, and less baking, among other differences.
We cannot forget rosquillos or alfajores, the latter of which are of Arab origin, made from almonds, although nowadays other nuts are also used.
There are three convents where sweets are made: the Convent of Belén (Poor Clares) and the Convent of Las Descalzas, both of which operate year-round. After making a purchase at the turnstile, visitors can enjoy the churches and museum at Las Descalzas. The Convent of La Encarnación (Carmelites) also produces sweets (although not mantecados) when Christmas approaches. All you have to do is ring the bell…
As for bakeries, some artisanal ones worth mentioning are La Perla and San Pancracio, and if you would like to visit a factory, La Antequerana opens its doors (advance booking required).
Wandering through the city, you will find many other shop windows where it is difficult to choose between so many flavors.
If you would like a list of all the factories, please contact the tourist office (952 70 25 05).
If you come to our city to buy mantecados, you can take the opportunity to visit Antequera with our guides.
