The XXVIII Feria del Jamón Returns to Aracena with Tradition and Flavour

The scent of oak, cured meat, and autumn air already drifts through the mountain town of Aracena, as it gears up for one of the most anticipated events in Andalusia — the XXVIII Feria Regional del Jamón y del Cerdo Ibérico. This 28th edition will once again turn Aracena into the beating heart of Iberianflavourr, welcoming locals and visitors alike over two festive weekends: October 17–19 and October 24–26.

Declared a Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Andalucía, the fair is much more than a local gathering. It’s a proud reflection of the region’s heritage — the land, the oak forests, and the centuries-old craft of raising and curing Iberian pigs that define Huelva’s mountain life.

Tradition and Quality Above All

Aracena’s mayor, Manuel Guerra, and development councilor Carlos García recently presented the fair’s program and poster. Guerra explained that while the event continues to grow, it never forgets its roots: “We keep the essence alive — quality, livestock tradition, and the authenticity of the Iberian world.”

Every exhibitor must follow the strict Norma de Calidad del Ibérico, the national quality standard ensuring that each ham and product truly reflects the Iberian breed, its feed, and its careful curing process.

Inside the fairgrounds, more than 50 exhibitors will fill the space — 17 dedicated to Iberian ham and pork products, and another 34 offering local crafts, cheeses, wines, and other traditional delicacies. In total, the event covers 30,000 square meters near the famous Gruta de las Maravillas, and entry is free for everyone who wants to taste a slice of Andalusian life.

A Program Full of Flavor and Fun

Across both weekends, Aracena will come alive with contests, tastings, and live shows. The highlight for many is the Concurso de Cortadores de Jamón, held on Sunday, October 19 at 1:00 p.m., where master ham cutters compete with surgical precision and elegance.

On Friday, October 24, the fair also hosts a technical session for professionals at 10:30 a.m., followed by a showcooking demonstration at noon, where chefs will reimagine traditional Iberian pork dishes. And as evening falls, popular tastings and live music keep the spirit of celebration going late into the night.

No fair in Aracena would be complete without its most playful tradition — “Su Peso en Jamón” (“Your Weight in Ham”). Visitors can weigh themselves for a chance to win their own weight in premium Iberian ham, a prize that usually sparks laughter, photos, and plenty of friendly competition. The final draw will take place on Sunday, October 26, at 5:30 p.m.

The Gala del Jamón: Honoring the Masters

The emotional centerpiece of the fair will be the Gala del Jamón, held at the Teatro Sierra de Aracena and hosted by Eva Ruiz from Canal Sur. During the gala, two significant awards will be given:

The Jamón de Oro to Emiliano de Pedro, professor at the University of Córdoba and a key figure in Iberian pig research.
The Bellota de Oro to José Luis Martín Mohedano, a veteran veterinarian recognized for his life’s work supporting local livestock and producers.

This year’s gala also features a gastronomic “twinning” between Aracena’s fair and the Wine & Olive Fair of Almendralejo, uniting two regions that share a profound respect for their agricultural heritage and Mediterranean flavors.

Organized with Care and Community Spirit

Behind the celebration lies careful planning. The Huerta Panaderos area will provide 119 parking spaces for cars and 42 for motorhomes, while additional restrooms and facilities will be installed to ensure everyone feels welcome.

The fair is backed by several partners, including the Diputación de Huelva, the Andalusian Councils of Tourism and Agriculture, DOP Jabugo, Caja Rural, and Cruzcampo, among others, reflecting the shared pride of institutions and locals in preserving their culinary heritage.

More Than a Fair — A Living Tradition

For Aracena, this event isn’t just about ham. It’s about celebrating an entire way of life — the forest landscapes, the people who raise the pigs, the artisans who slice with precision, and the families who gather year after year to honor their land’s best gift.

As the banners rise and the knives are sharpened, you can almost taste the anticipation in the air. The fair brings together laughter, learning, and the unmistakable aroma of jamón ibérico slowly melting on your tongue.

This October, once again, Aracena becomes the capital of ham, where every slice tells a story — one of patience, passion, and pride in a tradition that never goes out of season....LEARN MORE

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