Fiesta del Orujo en Potes

Introduction and local significance

The Fiesta del Orujo en Potes takes place in the municipality of Potes, capital of the Liébana comarca in the autonomous community of Cantabria. Officially listed in the patron saint fiesta category, this event has held the distinction of Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional since 2012. The confirmed current edition runs from 13 to 15 November 2026, honouring the usual tradition of taking place over the second weekend of November.

The festival is dedicated to the promotion and tasting of orujo lebaniego, a traditional spirit deeply tied to the region's winemaking heritage. The celebration unfolds across the winding streets of the town of Potes, with the natural setting of the Picos de Europa serving as its geographic backdrop. Throughout these days, the municipality brings together artisan market stalls, cultural talks, folk performances, and the presence of local producers.

Historical origins and tradition

The production of orujo lebaniego has its roots in the Early Middle Ages, a period when the monasteries of the Liébana comarca began harvesting vineyards and distilling spirits. In its modern festive format, the first edition took place in 1984 through the initiative of an anonymous group of local residents from Liébana. Following that initial phase, the celebration was suspended for nine years, between 1985 and 1993, due to the introduction in 1986 of national legislation that banned home distillation using mobile stills.

The festival was revived in 1994, when the Ayuntamiento de Potes secured a special permit from the Spanish tax agency (Agencia Tributaria) to carry out distillation in public spaces. Having previously been declared a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Regional, the event consolidated its regional status before earning national recognition in 2012. Tradition dictates the direct lighting of the copper stills (alquitaras) in the street to demonstrate the transformation of the spirit right in front of spectators.

Among the defining rituals, a prominent highlight is the figure of the Orujeros Mayores, an honorary title bestowed each year upon notable personalities chosen to deliver the opening proclamation, present talks on the subject, and light the public stills. Alongside this comes the presentation of the Alquitara de Oro, an annual award granted to honour the commercial brand that has produced the comarca's best orujo of the year.

Programme and main events

As there is no hour-by-hour breakdown in the official programme issued for this edition, the central events revolve around the cultural and distillation activities traditionally established in the town of Potes. Visitors are advised to check the official website of the Ayuntamiento de Potes for any last-minute adjustments before setting off. The defining highlights of the Fiesta del Orujo en Potes are:

• Official proclamation of the Orujero Mayor and reading of the festival's opening address.
• Lighting of the mobile stills and live distillation of orujo in the public streets.
• Traditional Liébana market featuring craft stalls and local product sales.
• Programme of talks, discussions, technical lectures, and traditional folk music performances.
• Announcement of the jury's decision and presentation of the Alquitara de Oro award to the year's best producer.

Traditional festival food

The culinary focus of these festive days revolves exclusively around the indigenous distilled spirit of the Liébana comarca:

• Orujo: A traditional spirit (grape pomace brandy) crafted by distilling the skins, seeds, and stems of pressed grapes in copper stills. Throughout the festival, this brandy is produced live in the alembics set up around town and handed out for visitors to taste across the streets of Potes.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The Fiesta del Orujo en Potes unfolds throughout the town centre and public streets of Potes. To reach the town during the busiest days, it is best to travel by public transport or leave private vehicles in the designated parking areas outside the town centre. This makes it easier to get around on foot and prevents gridlock on the main access routes into the municipality.

When planning your stay, it is wise to book well in advance of 13 to 15 November 2026. Staying within the town of Potes itself or in neighbouring villages across the Liébana comarca is the most convenient option for attending the cultural activities and evening events. Before travelling, visitors should check for any programme updates to confirm possible changes in event locations or schedules.