Photo: Adolfobrigido · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Fair
Feria de la Caza, Pesca y Naturaleza en Valencia de Don Juan
Valencia de Don Juan, León · Castilla y León
2026 edition
17–18 October 2026
✔ Official dates confirmed
2026 programme
- 17 October, 09:00 · Start of the falconry championship
- 17 October, 10:00 · Start of the clay pigeon shooting championship
- 17 October, 10:00 · Quail ringing workshop, led by veterinarian José Antonio Pérez Garrido from the Coturnix project
- 17 October, 12:00 · Conference on steppe birds and inauguration of the photographic exhibition "The Gold of the Steppe", by Rubén de Prado
- 17 October, 13:00 · Official inauguration of the fair
- 17 October, 15:00 · Start of the greyhound racing on mechanical hare
- 17 October, 18:00 · Demonstration of blood tracking and rabbit tracking, with retrieval in the burrow, by Teckel de Valdecabritos
- 17 October, 19:00 · Conference "Monitoring of small game species and recovery of their populations", by veterinarian and expert José Antonio Pérez Garrido
- 18 October, 09:00 · Start of the falconry championship
- 18 October, 10:00 · Start of the clay pigeon shooting championship
- 18 October, 10:00 · Demonstration of pointing dogs, by Bracos de Zamorcan
- 18 October, 11:30 · Demonstration of artificial blood tracking, by AEPES
- 18 October, 13:00 · Conference by world fishing champion Pablo Castro and screening of the documentary "Where the Curueño is Born"
- 18 October, 14:00 · Award ceremony for the clay pigeon shooting championship, hunting course modality
- 18 October, 17:00 · Award ceremony for the I Copa de Coyanza de Cetrería
- 18 October, 17:30 · Demonstration of blood tracking with dogs on artificial track
Sources: valenciadedonjuan.es · valenciadedonjuan.es · Leonoticias
Where it is and getting there
Zona Polideportiva Vicente López · Valencia de Don Juan
Sources: www.valenciadedonjuan.es
Introduction and local significance
The Feria de la Caza, Pesca y Naturaleza en Valencia de Don Juan takes place from 17 to 18 October 2026 in the province of León. This newly created event, officially promoted by the local Town Hall, brings together enthusiasts, experts, and professionals from the hunting and fishing sectors around various specialised activities. The days are designed to highlight the natural resources of the region and its deep-rooted tradition in outdoor activities. The event transforms the municipality into a regional reference point for the sector throughout the weekend.
Historical origins and tradition
In October 2026, the first edition of the Feria de la Caza, Pesca y Naturaleza en Valencia de Don Juan is celebrated, an event that aims for continuity and institutional support. Among its traditions and unique activities are significant highlights such as the I Copa de Coyanza de Cetrería (Coyanza Falconry Cup) and the clay pigeon shooting championship in the hunting course modality. Attendees can also enjoy unique displays such as the exhibition of León roosters and the exhibition of hunting dogs managed by ARRECAL. The programme also includes practical workshops highly anticipated by enthusiasts, focusing particularly on the fly-tying workshop for fishing and the casting workshop.
Programme and main events
The official programme for this first edition includes multiple technical and recreational proposals taking place at the venue. Notable events include the falconry championship, the greyhound racing on mechanical hare, and various demonstrations with pointing and tracking dogs. Visitors have the opportunity to attend specialised lectures, workshops on quail ringing linked to the Coturnix project, and keynote conferences delivered by prominent figures. Among the speakers are veterinarian and expert José Antonio Pérez Garrido, who will analyse the monitoring of small game, and world fishing champion Pablo Castro. The fairgrounds have specific opening hours, so it is advisable to consult the detailed official programme before travelling to plan attendance at each event.
Traditional festival food
The culinary offerings associated with the festival stand out for their direct connection to the rural and riverine environment of the area. Visitors can enjoy the following gastronomic proposals:
- Ruta de la Tapa Temática: Themed tapas specifically inspired by hunting and fishing at a popular price of two euros, offered in local hospitality establishments such as Bar Café Lope, Bar Oasis, Sidrería La Huerta de Don Pedro, and Bar Ana y Martín.
- Vinos de la zona: Highly recommended local wines to pair with the menus and tapas at the fair, sourced from regional wineries such as Cooperativa Los Oteros, Gordoncello, Tampesta, Jagatas, Villaliz, and Vitalis.
- Trucha: A native fish species that plays a prominent role in the traditional cuisine of the rivers in León and in the gastronomic culture of the territory.
Visitor guide and where to stay
The fair takes place in the Zona Polideportiva Vicente López, set up as a fairground to host the various competitions and exhibitions. The space has a morning opening time that ends at 14:30 and an afternoon schedule from 17:00 to 20:30. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance for these specific dates, either in the municipality of Valencia de Don Juan or in nearby towns, which facilitates following the events without logistical issues. During peak attendance times, it is preferable to use public transport or park the vehicle in designated areas outside the urban centre.