Huesca es Dulce

Introduction and local significance

Huesca es Dulce is established as the gastronomic event of reference in the capital of Huesca, bringing together master pastry chefs and enthusiasts from across the country. This edition takes place from 16 to 18 October 2026, transforming the most emblematic spaces of Huesca into a meeting point for artisan pastry. The fair stands out for its ability to gather both prestigious professionals and visitors interested in the culture of sweets. It is worth a visit for its carefully curated selection of tastings, competitions, and live workshops that highlight the local and national pastry tradition. Over three days, the city hosts renowned pastry chefs who give masterclasses and participate in the official competitions scheduled in the urban centre.

Historical origins and tradition

The history of this event began with a first edition that featured thirteen stalls and the establishment of the Vicente Ascaso Award, initially awarded to pastry chef Christian Escribá to recognise his contribution to the sector. In subsequent editions, such as the second held between Plaza Luis López Allué and Palacio de Villahermosa, the event expanded its reach and awarded the prize to Pastelería Galicia from Tordesillas, also hosting the first competition dedicated to the butter palm. For the third edition in 2026, Huesca es Dulce has reached twenty-six stalls set up in Plaza López Allué, consolidating its growth as a hub for national and international pastry. Among the traditions rooted in the event are the annual presentation of the Vicente Ascaso Award and the celebration of popular competitions with a strong recreational character. These competitions include participatory events such as the "Zampaflanes", the "Juego de los merengues" (Meringue Game), and the "Dulce a ciegas" (Blind Sweet) contest, where attendees test their senses. Additionally, the traditional programme includes blind tastings by a professional jury composed of experts responsible for evaluating the products presented for competition.

Programme and main events

The official programme of Huesca es Dulce includes notable events such as the official opening led by Adrián Buenaventura and the subsequent opening of the twenty-six stalls in Plaza Luis López Allué. Attendees can enjoy specialised workshops at Palacio Villahermosa, pastry demonstrations, and guided chocolate tastings conducted by master artisans. Highlights include popular competitions and the presentation of the Vicente Ascaso Award, along with the winners' announcement gala held in the Salón Azul of the Casino de Huesca. The programme also includes specific days aimed at professionals in the sector at the Centro Cultural Manuel Benito Moliner. For detailed schedules and the exact location of each demonstration, it is recommended to check the official programme of the fair.

Traditional festival food

The pastry offerings revolve around traditional and innovative creations that feature prominently in the various workshops and tastings at the fair. Among them, the palmera de mantequilla (butter palm), a puff pastry sweet made with this dairy ingredient, stands out and has a specific national competition, presented both in its classic recipe and with a careful chocolate coating. During the event, specialties such as the pastel ruso de Navidad (Russian Christmas cake), a classic pastry recipe, are also showcased in demonstration workshops. Additionally, artisanal tea biscuits selected from the best in Spain are displayed and tasted, reflecting the excellent level of the participating bakeries. Chocolate lovers can enjoy tastings of fine chocolates made by invited artisan bakeries and chocolatiers, allowing them to appreciate different nuances and origins of cocoa.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To attend Huesca es Dulce and park your vehicle nearby, various public parking options are available, such as the Ayuntamiento car park on Calle Santiago, the Universidad car park on Ronda Misericordia, the truck parking on Ronda del Transporte, or the motorhome area on Calle Ingeniero Pano. There are also regulated parking spaces in blue zones scattered across Calle Vicente Campo, Avenida Monreal, Plaza Cervantes, Calle del Parque, Calle Cabestany, Paseo Ramón y Cajal, and Grupo Villa Isabel Unión Oscense. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance for the festival dates, with a recommendation to stay in the municipality itself or in nearby towns for convenience in following the events. To access the workshops at Palacio Villahermosa of Fundación Ibercaja, it is mandatory to present the access code obtained through online reservation, and attendees must be in the room at least five minutes before the start. Access to the Salón Azul of the Casino for the butter palm gala requires a prior invitation. On days of high attendance, it is preferable to opt for public transport or leave the car outside the urban centre.