Feria Nacional Apícola de Cantabria en Torrelavega

Introduction and local significance

The Feria Nacional Apícola de Cantabria in Torrelavega celebrates its sixteenth edition this year, established as a key event for the beekeeping sector. The official days take place from 17 to 18 October 2026 at the Mercado Nacional de Ganados. This event brings together professionals, experts, and enthusiasts around the world of bees, combining a commercial exhibition with a comprehensive programme of technical and scientific dissemination.

Historical origins and tradition

This event reaches its sixteenth edition under the official name of Feria Nacional Apícola de Cantabria, also known alternatively as Feria Apícola de Torrelavega or Torrelabeja. Among the traditional elements of this event is the celebration of the Concurso Mieles de Cantabria 2026, a competition focused on awarding the best local varieties from the region. Additionally, alongside the technical presentations, the event hosts the XVI Concurso de Dibujo titled "El mundo de las abejas" to encourage participation related to the sector.

Programme and main events

Activities are concentrated throughout the weekend at the facilities of the Mercado Nacional de Ganados and in the classroom set up on the first floor. On Saturday 17 October, the fair opens at 10:00, followed at 10:15 by the presentation of the project "Protection of beehives against the Bear" by Roberto Hartasánchez. The official inauguration of the fair takes place at 10:30, followed by the conference titled "The climate of Cantabria over the last decades" given by Sergio Fernández González at 11:00. At 12:00, the product "Pep’up, a state-of-the-art zootechnical additive" is presented, and at 12:30, Manuel Barquín speaks on "New decisions in beekeeping in the face of climate change". In the afternoon, the day continues at 16:30 with a presentation on the challenge of Tropilaelaps by Juan Carlos Merino, culminating at 18:00 with the round table discussion "Young people in post-barrel beekeeping, keys to adapting to a constantly changing sector". On Sunday 18 October, presentations begin at 10:00 with Koldo Belasko discussing small techniques to change beekeeping, followed at 11:00 by Lluis Buson with a talk on the diversification of beekeeping products to add more value to honey. The practical sessions on Sunday include a honey tasting initiation workshop at 11:45 in the first-floor classroom and a workshop on building Koldo's new trap at 12:30 in the Mercado Nacional de Ganados.

Traditional festival food

The undisputed star product of this gathering is the honey from Cantabria, produced thanks to the richness of the native flora and the daily work of the region's beekeepers. During the event, attendees have the opportunity to learn about, taste, and differentiate the various varieties that fall under the official categories of the competition. These types include heather honey, wildflower honey, forest honey, and eucalyptus honey, each reflecting the characteristic botanical properties of the natural and mountainous environment of the autonomous community.

Visitor guide and where to stay

Entry to the Mercado Nacional de Ganados is completely free for all visitors interested in attending the presentations, workshops, and commercial exhibitions. For those who decide to travel to the event by their own vehicle, the fairgrounds offer free parking spaces located both in the elevated parking area and in the designated outdoor area. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, whether in the municipality of Torrelavega or in nearby towns, to facilitate access and participation in all scheduled activities over the weekend.