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Food festival

Feria del Jamón en Aracena

Aracena, Huelva · Andalucía

2026 edition

16–25 October 2026

✔ Official dates confirmed

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2026 programme

  1. 16 October, 12:00 · Official inauguration of the XXIX Feria Regional del Jamón y del Cerdo Ibérico (Fairgrounds)
  2. 17 October, 13:00 · Ham cutting demonstration by the accredited professional Miguel Prieto Mora
  3. 17 October, 19:00 · Musical performance by Komando Solera (Pavilion)
  4. 17 October, 22:00 · Tasting of products from the traditional butchering of the Iberian pig (Plaza de San Pedro)
  5. 18 October, 12:00 · Sensory tasting of DOP Jabugo ham organised by the DOP Jabugo (Museo del Jamón de Aracena)
  6. 18 October, 12:00 · Traditional butchering demonstration of the Iberian pig organised by the Diputación de Huelva
  7. 18 October, 13:00 · XXIX Ham Cutters Competition
  8. 23 October, 12:00 · Technical Livestock Day in collaboration with INCEDECA (Pavilion Hall)
  9. 23 October, 12:00 · Showcooking presented by Antón Infantes and organised with the Association of Entrepreneurs of Aracena (Fair Pavilion)
  10. 23 October, 21:00 · Gala del Jamón Ibérico (includes Exaltation of Ham by Pepe Da Rosa, brotherhood with the 100% Acorn-fed Ham Fair of the DOP Los Pedroches in Villanueva de Córdoba, presentation of the Jamón and Bellota de Oro awards, presentation of the poster for the XXX edition, and musical closing) (Teatro Sierra de Aracena)
  11. 24 October, 13:30 · Perfect Cañón contest organised by Cruzcampo
  12. 24 October, 19:00 · Musical performance by The Vampiro’s Rock Band (Pavilion)
  13. 24 October, 22:00 · Tasting of products from the traditional butchering of the Iberian pig (Plaza de San Pedro)
  14. 25 October, 12:00 · Sensory tasting of DOP Jabugo ham organised by the DOP Jabugo
  15. 25 October, 12:00 · Traditional butchering demonstration of the Iberian pig organised by the Diputación de Huelva
  16. 25 October, 13:00 · Ham cutting demonstration by the professional Miguel Prieto Mora
  17. 25 October, 17:30 · Draw of the contest Su Peso en Jamón

Sources: Huelva Buenas Noticias · Huelva Red · Andalucía Informa

Introduction and local significance

The Feria del Jamón in Aracena, officially known as the Feria Regional del Jamón y del Cerdo Ibérico, is a gastronomic celebration dedicated to the flagship product of the region and the support of its farmers and producers. This year's edition is confirmed for 16-25 October 2026. This event has the distinction of being a Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Andalucía, a regional recognition that reflects its deep roots in the Huelva mountains.

The event brings together professionals from the sector and enthusiasts around the products derived from the Iberian pig and the Denominación de Origen Protegida Jabugo. The fair activities are concentrated over two consecutive weekends in the town's urban area. It offers a direct opportunity to witness the work of knife cutters, participate in guided sensory tastings, and purchase products made by local companies.

Historical origins and tradition

The Feria del Jamón in Aracena was created to promote Iberian ham and raise awareness of the agricultural and industrial work in the area. In 2026, it marks 30 years since its first celebration, coinciding with the official twenty-ninth edition (XXIX). In 2013, the structure of the event was expanded to become the so-called "Semana del Jamón Ibérico".

Among its customs are demonstrations of traditional butchering of the Iberian pig and the artisanal production of sausages by mandingueras. Another of the most popular traditions is the contest "Su peso en jamón" (Your Weight in Ham), where attendees pay a ticket of 2 euros and step onto a scale to record their weight; through a public draw, the winning person receives their equivalent in kilos of Iberian ham.

The festival also celebrates the Gala del Jamón Ibérico, where the Exaltation of Ham is pronounced and the Jamón and Bellota de Oro awards are presented. In parallel, the Ruta de la Tapa Ibérica takes place through local hospitality with the "Tapaporte"; this document allows participants to collect stamps from participating bars to enter draws for 100% acorn-fed Iberian ham and hotel stays, as well as granting free access to the Museo del Jamón de Aracena after two registered consumptions.

Programme and main events

The programme is concentrated over two successive weekends and features several characteristic highlights of the Aracena event. Among its central activities are the official inauguration of the Fairgrounds, sensory tastings of ham organised by the DOP Jabugo at the Museo del Jamón, and the ham cutting competition. On the institutional side, the Gala del Jamón Ibérico at the Teatro Sierra de Aracena stands out, hosting the Exaltation of Ham by Pepe Da Rosa, the twinning with the Córdoba fair in Villanueva de Córdoba, and the presentation of the Bellota and Jamón de Oro awards. The programme culminates with the traditional draw of "Su peso en jamón", which closes the fair days. You can check the exact timings of each of these events, the butchering demonstrations, and the concerts in the official programme of the upper sheet.

Traditional festival food

The Iberian pig and the hams protected by the DOP Jabugo form the culinary offer of the fair, accompanied by local dishes:

  • Products from the traditional butchering of the Iberian pig: portions and meats from the popular butchering served on Saturdays in the Plaza de San Pedro, with tapas and drinks priced at 1 euro.
  • Wines from the Condado de Huelva: traditional wines from the Huelva province, commonly used in tastings to accompany slices of ham and local sausages.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The Fairgrounds are located within the urban area of Aracena, just 250 metres from the entrance to the Gruta de las Maravillas. Entry to this venue and its sales areas is free and open during the six festive days. It is important to note that the fair does not operate continuously: events are strictly limited to two weekends (from 16 to 18 and from 23 to 25 October), so there is no activity in the venue between 19 and 22 October.

For parking, the town hall has designated an area in Huerta Panaderos with 119 car spaces and 42 reserved plots for motorhomes. During peak visitor times, it is advisable to leave the vehicle outside the centre or use public transport that connects the region.

Certain events have capacity controls and require prior reservation. The sensory tastings of the DOP Jabugo admit a maximum of 30 people per session and require registration through the Museo del Jamón or the Municipal Tourist Office (at the numbers 663 937 870 and 663 937 877). For the Gala del Jamón Ibérico at the Teatro Sierra de Aracena, entry is free until the space is full, with passes available at the box office or through the municipal mobile app "Aracena Activa".

Before travelling, it is advisable to check the official programme in case of last-minute changes to the schedule. It is recommended to arrange accommodation well in advance; staying in the town of Aracena or in nearby municipalities simplifies the return after tastings and evening concerts.