Feria de Todos los Santos de Cocentaina

Introduction and local significance

The Feria de Todos los Santos de Cocentaina (All Saints' Fair of Cocentaina) is officially celebrated from 30 October to 1 November 2026 in this town in the province of Alicante, located in the Valencian Community. This recreational and commercial gathering holds the highest accolades of being an International Festival of Tourist Interest and an Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset. Each edition attracts between 200,000 and 400,000 visitors who explore a 90,000-square-metre site set up for commerce, industrial exhibition, and traditional leisure. Its historical relevance and ability to attract crowds place it among the most unique events on the festive calendar of the Iberian Peninsula.

Historical origins and tradition

The background of the festival dates back to the year 1346, when King Peter IV of Aragon granted a royal privilege on 12 May to the Count of Cocentaina, Alfons Roger de Llúria, bestowing the right to hold a tax-free fair from 29 September to 14 October. In the 15th century, specifically in 1457, Alfonso IV of Aragon authorised a second fair in the month of May, which had a short life. The dates of the celebration were modified in 1671 to move permanently to the All Saints' festival. During the 18th century, it experienced notable growth; in 1755 a significant expansion occurred, and in 1768 it was proclaimed the largest fair in the Old Kingdom of Valencia. After numerous lawsuits, the traditional dates of November were officially ratified in 1795. In 1973, the first official programme of the fair was published, and its corporate identity logo was designed. Among the traditional elements is the custom of 'feriar' (buying a gift for) children, which consists of presenting them with an item purchased at the market stalls. Likewise, on 1 November, the traditional 'almuerzo' (mid-morning snack/lunch) is held in the Pla de la Font square, a historically instituted ritual that was revived in 1996. The Grup de Danses de Cocentaina, responsible for reading the Fair Privilege, and the Colla de Dolçaines i Tabals Mal Passet, which performs the fair's official anthem, actively participate in the institutional acts.

Programme and main events

The fair's exhibition space is structured into three distinct areas that host a wide variety of commercial sectors. The central area is occupied by the agricultural machinery market, a historic sector where trucks, cars, and construction machinery are displayed. The fair's layout also integrates sectors dedicated to the Arab souk, the medieval market, the horse and livestock fair, and children's attraction zones. Among the institutional and cultural events, the official inauguration with the reading of the royal privilege in the Plaza del Pla stands out, as well as the presentation of the Fira de Tots Sants 2026 Narrative Prize awarded to the work "Hikikomori" by Jordi Cervera Nogués, and the window dressing competition awards. The programme is completed with cultural proposals such as the concert by the Ateneu Musical Contestà at the Centre Cultural El Teular and the circus show "Un viatge al cor del circ" (A journey to the heart of the circus) by La Fam Teatre in the Plaza del Pla. Detailed timings for each day can be consulted in the official programme on the website.

Traditional festival food

The gastronomic offering of the Feria de Todos los Santos de Cocentaina revolves around the traditional recipes of the region and the products consumed during the market days. The most representative culinary element of the festival is the popular 'almuerzo' that takes place on 1 November at the Pla de la Font. This traditional menu consists fundamentally of local sausages and sardines. The food is usually accompanied by homemade bread, 'agua-sal' (salted water) and other characteristic drinks from the municipality. The preparation and distribution of this massive lunch count on the direct collaboration of the Cocentaina Housewives' Association, an event that is complemented by musical performances and traditional dance interpretations by the local Dance Group.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The events and commercial activity take place at the Fairground and in different locations within the urban centre of Cocentaina, so it is necessary to plan your travel in advance. During the days with the highest turnout, authorities recommend using public transport or parking vehicles outside the city centre to avoid congestion at the entrances. The organisation implements inclusive measures at the fairground, such as the establishment of time slots without noise or light—specifically in the morning from 12:00 to 13:00 and in the afternoon from 18:00 to 19:00—to facilitate attendance for children with sensory processing difficulties. Furthermore, free access is guaranteed for people with accessibility needs who accompany minors on mechanical rides. For accommodation, it is advisable to book in advance both in the town itself and in the surrounding towns, which allows you to comfortably follow the events scheduled during the day and night. It is convenient to check updates to the official programme before starting your trip in case of any time changes.