From pepper to
marmalade

Founded in 1981, the Leioa Culinary School has long been a pioneer in hands-on culinary education. Now located on the university campus since 1983, the school continues to train future chefs with a focus on innovation, local products, and sustainable practices. As part of the 2025 LeioaGastro+KOM project, students and teachers have come together once again—this time to develop marmalades using the region’s signature red pepper. Led by pastry professor Marga García, and inspired by both tradition and experimentation, the culinary students are creating marmalades that go beyond breakfast—they’re designed to combine with meats, cheeses, and even ice cream, showing how tradition and modern gastronomy can come together on a single spoon. Through this project, they’re not only learning valuable skills—they’re helping to preserve and elevate a piece of Leioa’s culinary heritage.

Manager

Mikel Valcárcel (quality manager of the Leioa Catering School) explains the purpose of the pepper marmelade. Video: Leire Mojas. Sound: Jezabel Álvarez.

This year, Leioa is promoting a unique local product: pepper marmalade. Chosen for its potential to represent the town beyond its borders, the marmalade is part of an effort to create a lasting, marketable symbol of Leioa’s identity. The initiative is led by the Leioa Catering School, which sees this as an opportunity to not only enhance the town's image but also contribute to its economy and culture. With over 40 years of history, the school is striving to be recognized for more than just campus meals—aiming instead to be a proud ambassador of Leioa’s culinary and cultural heritage.

Pastry Professor

Marga García (pastry professor) explains how the project started and how the students got involved. Video: Leire Mojas. Sound: Jezabel Álvarez.

What started as a simple proposal quickly sparked students’ interest, turning the pepper marmalade project into a shared journey fueled by curiosity and excitement for the final result. Guided by Marga García, students are turning a simple idea into a hands-on culinary project, blending learning and creativity. They experimented with local ingredients—like onion, chili, vinegar, and even txakoli—crafting unique combinations and adjusting sugar levels to perfect a range of pepper-based marmalades. 

Step 1: Making the Mix

Olaia Zuberogoitia (student of the Leioa Catering School) makes the mix for the pepper marmalade. Video: Leire Mojas. Sound: Jezabel Álvarez.

Step 2: Boiling the Ingredients

Olaia Zuberogoitia (student of the Leioa Catering School) gives tips to boil the ingredients well. Video: Leire Mojas. Sound: Jezabel Álvarez.

Step 3: Grinding the Boiled Product

Olaia Zuberogoitia (student of the Leioa Catering School) grinds the boiled mix and the marmalade takes shape. Video: Leire Mojas. Sound: Jezabel Álvarez.

Step 4: Dishing it Up

Olaia Zuberogoitia (student of the Leioa Catering School) dishes up the marmalade and explains its features. Video: Leire Mojas. Sound: Jezabel Álvarez.

Tasting the Marmalade

Jezabel Alvarez (Journalism student) tastes the pepper jam and explains its taste. Video: Leire Mojas. Sound: Jezabel Álvarez.

Upcoming Events in Leioa

Festivities in the Leioa neighborhood of Lamiako

Leioa dala-ayuntamiento

The 2025 Lamiako Festivities will begin on Friday, May 30, with the traditional Maskarada—a magical parade featuring mythological characters, music, and Basque culture. Throughout the weekend, there will be contests, dances, traditional games, and concerts. On

Sunday, June 1, the symbolic “burial of the sardine” will close the celebrations. Neighbors are encouraged to join in, decorate their balconies, and take part in this joyful community celebration. “Herri bat gara gu!” (“We are one people!”) will be the motto of a weekend full of tradition and fun.

May 30 - June 1, 2025

Fiestas de San Juan

KulturaLeioa

Leioa's 2024 San Juan festivities will take place from June 20 to 24, with pre-festival events beginning on June 14. The celebration features a vibrant mix of cultural, musical, and sporting activities for all ages, showcasing Basque traditions like pilgrimages, folk dances, Herri Kirolak, and bertsos.

Highlights include concerts by Esne Beltza, Doctor Deseo, Travelin' Brothers, and more. Special events such as Antzinako Eguna, a Jotas championship, and exhibitions of vintage cars and trains add unique flair. The festivities begin with the txupinazo on June 20 and conclude with fireworks on June 24, celebrating community spirit and local heritage.

June 23 - 26, 2025

Lamiako Maskarada

Lamiako will hold its festivities from May 30 to June 1. KOFILA, the Festival Committee of this Leioa neighborhood, has prepared a diverse and lively program packed with activities for everyone.

From traditional dances and pilgrimages to cooking and card competitions, along with plenty of music, the streets of Lamiako will be buzzing with celebrations all weekend long.

May 31-June 1, 2025

Kultur Leioa

Diversity week

Leioa dala-ayuntamiento

Leioa will host its Diversity Week from June 3 to 8, featuring cultural, educational, and fun activities for all ages. Events include storytelling, an escape room, screenings, and a major fair with 17 social organizations. The aim is to highlight cultural diversity, promote coexistence, and strengthen community bonds. The fair, on Sunday, June 8, will offer workshops, music, food, and creative spaces. Under the motto “Sowing community,” Diversity Week encourages participation and helps build an inclusive and diverse Leioa.

June 3 - 8, 2025

Summer tours

Leioa dala-ayuntamiento

This summer, “Leioa Paso a Paso” invites locals and visitors to discover the town’s natural, historical, and culinary heritage through guided routes. From June to August, walks will explore areas like Pinosolo, Santsoena, Ondiz, Mendibile Jauregia, and the Artatza Palace. A

Additional tours will take place in September and October. For just €3.50, participants can enjoy a pintxo and a glass of Bizkaiko Txakolina after the tour. It’s a great way to learn about Leioa’s local history and hidden gems, while supporting local tourism and hospitality.