Aielo de Malferit
We go now to the nearby town of Aielo de Malferit, where there are traditional products such as wicker baskets and furniture, and typical liqueurs of the region.
Wickerwork in Aielo goes back to the beginning of the last century. At that time, they made baskets for the glass demijohns. The main production of these baskets was for the traditional liqueurs factory of Aielo. At the beginning, the baskets were made with river canes, and later on with wicker. Subsequently, they stopped making demijohns and produced other articles, mainly baskets, though they also made bread baskets, egg boxes, chests, armchairs, etc.
The making of wickerwork articles started with the obtaining of the raw material, the wicker, from three different qualities and origins.
Firstly, the wicker called “Xurro” is got from the river
and ravines of the region. It has a low quality and is difficult to
work with. Secondly, nowadays there is an American wicker very used.
Finally, they also use a high quality wicker from Guadalajara, Cuenca
and Teruel.
Later on, the wicker was used in two special ways. The first one was
called “en pell” (natural wicker) and the second one, “en
blanc” (soak it in water and peel it in spring; then the stem’
colour turns light and white). On the other hand, the wicker is also
used “en buf”: the wicker is boiled to get a reddish colour
and avoid the proliferation of moths. This type of wicker is more resistant
than the other.
Once they have the raw material, they start to make the base of the structure (“remolí”). Then they add the pillars (elements that hold up the structure from the base to the edge or “girat”). Finally, and with a mould, comes the most important stage: the craftsmen apply all their skill and ingenuity, the warmth of their hands and allegiance to tradition, and fasten the parts of an article together. The whole process ends with the decoration of boxes, baskets, chests, etc. according to the initial design standard.
The tools used are the “partidor” (to cut the stems off in different parts and lengths), scissors, awl, pliers, mallet and tacks.
The time used to make a piece of wickerwork varies according to the size and shape. As a reference, a basket with a normal size is made in 20 minutes and 4 canes are needed.
The manufacture of wickerwork was the way of life of around 200 inhabitants from Aielo. The nineties of the 20th century were the glory days of this art. Later on, this activity has declined due to the import of products elaborated in other countries and to the important tax system. However, there are still craftsmen who practice this tradition.
Nowadays, you can buy these products to José Aparici (telephone number: 0034 962360333) and Artesanos Reunidos (0034 962904079).
Handmade liqueurs are also well-known in Aielo de Malferit. In 1880 the liqueurs factory was set up next to the Palace of the Malferit Marquesses. The first founding members created top-quality products, which led them to win 20 gold metals and 10 honour certificates in many national and international competitions. The fame obtained regarding the elaboration of liqueurs and syrups granted them the honour of being official suppliers to the Royal Household.
That factory was acquired by the Mompó family until 1971, when was acquired by Juan Micó, the current owner who still uses the same production methods that his predecessors. The result? Liqueurs, syrups and anisettes with a traditional and delicious flavour.
The production process is simple. Firstly, they pick different herbs from the Sierra of Mariola and macerate them with different types of liqueurs. After a period of time (depending on the liqueur they want to obtain), the maceration is filtered and bottled for sale. There are several remarkable liqueurs among those which are elaborated in Aielo, such as the “herbero”, “cazalla” (aniseed liqueur), anisette from Aielo, “lágrimas de contribuyente”, “leche de la vieja”, “placer de las damas”, “licor cualquier cosa”, etc. Especially noteworthy is the liqueur called “nuez de cola-coca”, elaborated in the factory since many years. The owners maintain that the present drink Coca-Cola comes from this liqueur. In 1949, the American company obtained the patent for this liqueur. Fábrica licores artesanales (liqueurs factory): 0034 962360007.
