Friday 30th May 2025

Programme
08.15 hrs: Departure from Golden Star Apartments, Calle Bruselas, Javea Arenal.
08.30 hrs: Departure from Interiors (opposite side of the road), Javea port.
08.45 hrs: Pickup at Mas y Mas on the N332 if required. Comfort break enroute.
11.00 hrs: Meet our guide, Chema, in Mascarell, for a guided walking tour (1.5 hrs).

Mascarell is a small but charming town, belonging to the municipality of Nules, which stands out for its interesting historical-artistic heritage; especially for its imposing medieval wall that completely surrounds the village, making it the only fully walled town in the Valencian Community. Its origins are linked to the expulsion of the Muslim population from the neighbouring town of Burriana. The first document that exists is from 1310, when James I expelled the Moors from Burriana and they settled on the border between Nules and Burriana (Mascarell). Mascarell was all but depopulated following the expulsion of the Moors and it was not until well into the 18th century that it was able to overcome such a crisis. Mascarell now has around 200 inhabitants.

12.45 hrs: Reboard our coach and travel to Nules.
13.00 hrs: Lunch in a local restaurant.
14.30 hrs: Travel to Vila-Real.
15.00 hrs: Guided tour of Matafruit Naranjas.

1. The first part consists of an explanation of the history, tradition and culture of the citrus industry, together with the projection of a video that reflects its evolution in the city of Vila-real and in the province of Castellón since the beginning of the 18th century. The video will show how the farmers worked hard to prepare the fields and build water wells to be able to grow the different varieties of oranges and clementines, and how the citrus industry became the economic engine of the province.
2. Next is a visit to the Matafruit Orange Museum to see first-hand the evolution of the citrus industry from its beginnings to the present day, through images, machinery and tools, both old and modern, used for growing citrus fruits; along with a demonstration of the operation of many of these tools.
3. Information about the farm (size, historical features, total production, number of
   orange trees planted, life and productivity of the orange trees), as well as the processes of cultivation and care of the farm (pruning, flowering, irrigation, natural fertilizers for the soil, natural care and spraying of the orange trees, varieties of citrus trees cultivated, grafts carried out…).
4. Tasting of many varieties of fruit and traditional products made directly from them (Mandarin liqueur, orange wine, orange and almond cake, orange and walnut nougat, orange chocolate, orange cake, orange marmalade, orange blossom honey…).
5. To end the tour, everyone will be given a bag of oranges or clementines (depending on the season)
   

16.45 hrs: Reboard our coach for the return to Javea. Comfort stop enroute.
19.30 hrs: Approximate arrival in Javea.

If you would like to receive a copy of the programme and cost when finalised, please send an email to the group leader, Angela Chantry:

spanish.culture.cuisine@u3ajavea.com