Recharging Batteries, Murcia-Style: The Gastronomic Ritual of the Pre-game

 The build-up to a big final isn't just experienced on the streets with flags and chants; in Murcia, it is also savored. Hours before the match, the city center's iconic pastry shops saw long lines of fans, decked out in the colours of "La Roja" (red national football team jersey), waiting to observe a sacred ritual: refueling with an artisanal Murcian meat pie or an "empanada" (a pie filled with fried tomato, egg and tuna; sometimes with fried onion included) before heading off to join the festivities in the avenues and squares. Tradition, gastronomy, and a passion for football come together in the best of company.

Be careful: all people who taste Murcian meat pie, can't avoid to eat it again.

That picture was taken at Traperia street, at midtown.