Feria del Lechón Ibérico de Cardeña

Introduction and local significance

The Feria del Lechón Ibérico de Cardeña (Iberian Piglet Fair of Cardeña) is an essential gastronomic event in the province of Córdoba. This edition takes place from 16 to 18 October 2026 in the Andalusian municipality of Cardeña. The fair stands out for highlighting products derived from the Iberian pig and the livestock tradition of the area.

Historical origins and tradition

In 2026, the 13th Feria del Lechón Ibérico de Cardeña is celebrated, consolidating a history of gatherings dedicated to the star product of the Córdoba dehesa (pastureland). The event maintains close ties with local and regional gastronomic culture. The scheduled activities include rituals and events revolving around the pork industry.

Programme and main events

The official programme of the Feria del Lechón Ibérico de Cardeña features multiple events spread across the celebration days. The confirmed main activities are as follows:

• Friday 16 at 12:00: Official inauguration of the 13th Feria del Lechón Ibérico de Cardeña at the Cardeña Fairground.
• Friday 16 from 13:00 to 18:00: Visit to the exhibitions in the Town Hall Courtyard.
• Friday 16 at 13:00: Opening of the txosna (festival bar) with pintxo-pote (drink and small snack).
• Friday 16 from 19:15 to 20:15: Rioja Alavesa wine tasting.
• Friday 16 from 20:00 to 00:00: Planetarium activities and night sky observation at the Astronomical Viewpoint.
• Friday 16 at 20:30: Flamenkito performance with the Banda de Rafa Moreno.
• Friday 16 at 23:15: Long Play concert in Plaza de la Independencia.
• Saturday 17 at 09:30: Cultural route on the Iberian pig with a visit to a dehesa farm.
• Saturday 17 at 13:00: Aizkolaris (Basque log-chopping) exhibition.
• Saturday 17 at 13:30: Event by the Cofradía Gastronómica del Lechón Ibérico de Cardeña (Gastronomical Brotherhood of the Iberian Piglet of Cardeña).
• Saturday 17 at 15:00: Public lunch of alubia pinta alavesa (Alavese pinto beans).
• Saturday 17 at 23:15: Planeta 80 concert.

Traditional festival food

The gastronomy of this festival revolves around the lechón ibérico (Iberian suckling pig), the undisputed star of the tastings and culinary exhibitions. During the fair days, you can taste preparations made with Iberian pork from the local dehesas. In addition, the programme includes complementary culinary proposals such as the public lunch of alubia pinta alavesa and traditional pintxos (small Basque snacks) at the txosna.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The event is held at the Cardeña Fairground, located on Calle Feria, Plaza de la Independencia Local, and the main streets of Cardeña, Azuel, and Venta del Charco. To facilitate the loading and unloading of goods, a parking area will be provided for exhibitors in the bullring of the Fairground. It is strictly forbidden to keep vehicles inside the fairground, which includes the pavilion, the marquee for stands, and the streets closed to traffic, during opening hours to the public. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance for the dates of the festival and, on the days with the highest turnout, it is preferable to opt for public transport or park outside the centre.