With the arrival of spring 2026, the traditional almadraba of Barbate has commenced its annual bluefin tuna fishing campaign. The first 'levantá' resulted in the capture of about fifty specimens, notable for their size and quality, generating high expectations for the remainder of the season, which will extend until June.
The 'levantá' process, a millennial ritual, mobilizes around 70 people, including divers and almadraba fishermen, working within a complex net system anchored with 500 weights. The company Petaca Chico, manager of the Barbate tuna fishery, oversaw this first day, where the weights of the tuna, some exceeding 350 kilograms, are 'sung' with enthusiasm from the 'testa' vessel.
“"They are very well-fatted and quite large adults. That gives us great satisfaction and much hope that the campaign will be good."
A unique aspect of this first 'levantá' was its evening schedule, dictated by the ebbing tide which facilitates maneuvers. Despite a brief delay, the professionals' expertise allowed the operation to be completed successfully, demonstrating adaptability to natural sea conditions. The sight of the tuna being hoisted from the water, now lifeless, is described as almost mystical, a symbol of the region's marine richness.
The bluefin tuna campaign in Barbate is not only a crucial economic activity for the town but also a deeply rooted tradition that celebrates the abundance of its coasts. The quality of the first specimens caught reinforces the hope for a prosperous season, solidifying the reputation of the wild bluefin tuna from the area as a high-quality delicacy.
