Fiesta de la Salchicha en Zaratán

Introduction and local significance

La Fiesta de la Salchicha in Zaratán is one of the key gastronomic and cultural events in the province of Valladolid, in Castilla y León. Declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, this festivity revolves around its most emblematic product. For this edition, the official dates have been set from 23 October to 3 November 2026.

Historical origins and tradition

This custom has more than a century of history in the municipality. Tradition dictated that after All Saints' Day, specifically on 2 November, butchers would go out to sell their products in the streets of the village. Today, religious and festive events keep this legacy alive following the All Saints' mass, when an offering of the sausage takes place alongside parades, folklore groups and traditional dances.

Programme and main events

The calendar of events combines cultural, bullfighting and gastronomic activities spread across several days. The official programme includes the following highlights:

• 23 October, 20:00: Bullfighting colloquium at the Centro Cultural Los Lavaderos.
• 29 October, 20:00: Start of the Sausage Route (Ruta de la Salchicha) across the village bars.
• 31 October, 16:00: Traditional village-style running of the bulls (encierro).
• 31 October, 17:00: 3rd SalchiFest with DJs in the Plaza Mayor.
• 31 October, 17:45: Opening speech (pregón) by the Los Trazas peña (social club) in the Plaza Mayor.
• 1 November, 12:30: All Saints' mass with the sausage offering.
• 1 November, 16:00: Village-style running of the bulls of the Toro de la Salchicha.
• 2 November, 11:00: Opening of the 5th Gastronomic Sausage Fair at the Polideportivo Infanta Juana.
• 2 November, 13:00: Castilian Dance Gathering.
• 2 November, 13:30: Wine tasting of DO Rueda and DO Ribera del Duero.
• 2 November, 20:30: Traditional tasting of Zaratán sausages.

Traditional festival food

The central focus of the table is the salchicha de Zaratán (Zaratán sausage), a typical variety from the municipality that takes centre stage during the festivities. This product is sold and tasted, and is also served as a tapa (appetiser) in restaurants throughout the celebration. The programme also includes specific activities such as wine tastings from the DO Rueda and DO Ribera del Duero.

Visitor guide and where to stay

When planning a visit to the Fiesta de la Salchicha in Zaratán, it is worth bearing in mind several logistical and transport recommendations. On days with the highest turnout, it is best to use public transport or leave your vehicle parked outside the centre. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, with the option of staying in the municipality itself or in nearby towns to easily follow the evening events. Before travelling, it is recommended to check the official town council programme, as timetables and events may be subject to change.