Of course we have tons of polvorones, mantecados, marzipans and nougats; the usual pastries, candied almonds, panettone and powerful liqueurs. But the Contemplare Monastic Fairs are much more than Christmas sweets. And this year especially:
For the first time, we bring products from French monasteries, in an exchange of knowledge and specialties, and we debut with the country pâté of the famous “Père Marc pigs” and with a delicious product very little known in Spain: rillettes de canard (shredded duck). All the tubs come directly from the Cistercians of Normandy.
The male monasteries in Spain, on the other hand, are specialized in artisan beers –blonde, toasted and wheat- as well as jams with unimaginable flavors. We will also put them on sale together with their cheeses and even the milk from the cows that graze in the monasteries of Galicia.
And for those with a sweet tooth with special requests, this year we are promoting the integral lines of typical products: a discovery, the sugar-free polvorón!
In the selection of crafts, the great novelty is the hand-woven Advent wreaths, with their matching angels to hang on the tree. And, of course, the nativity scenes that have been made in silence and prayer throughout the year by the Sisters of Bethlehem, specialists in Christmas ornaments, angels and medals. Special mention for the Child Jesus by Charles de Foucauld, which is reddish and oriental.
In short, the Contemplare Foundation seeks to make known through its monastic Christmas fairs the thousands of men and women who have given their lives to contemplation, immersed in the world through their prayers, but already anticipating the first fruits of Heaven. Buying their products is helping them live their ora et labora.
Where to find us this year in Madrid?
In the Plaza Mayor of Madrid – from Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 December – exclusive sale at the Casa de la Panadería the week just after the long weekend
At ABC Serrano – from 5 to 20 December – as every year, almost the whole month
And outside Madrid?
In the centre of Oviedo – with eight wooden stalls, from 5 to 22 December
And home deliveries, Amazon-style, from our website www.fundacioncontemplare.org
#Muchmorethansweet #MadeinPrayer #WeAretheAmazonofMonasteries
