Alcoy’s Tapa Festival returns with street food, music and big changes

Every April, as Alcoy gears up for its iconic Moors and Christians celebrations, one event brings locals and visitors together in a more relaxed, food-focused way. The Tapa i Festa gastronomic fair returns from Thursday April 23 to Sunday 27, once again transforming La Glorieta into a buzzing hub of street food, music and socialising.

The festival has become a staple of the city’s festive calendar, offering a place to eat, drink and recharge amid the intensity of the celebrations. With long opening hours stretching late into the night, it’s designed as both a daytime meeting point and an evening destination.

Street food meets festive energy

At its core, Tapa i Festa is all about variety. This year, more than 20 food trucks will serve everything from burgers and pizzas to international dishes like Asian-inspired cuisine and Argentine empanadas.

The appeal lies in its casual, accessible format. Visitors can wander between stalls, sampling different flavours without committing to a formal sit-down meal. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, reflecting a broader, more inclusive approach to street food culture.

Alongside the food, drinks bars and communal seating areas create a lively, social atmosphere, one that feels as much about gathering as it does about eating.

Big changes for 2026

This year’s edition introduces several notable updates designed to improve the overall experience. One of the biggest shifts is the move towards cashless payments. Visitors can either pay directly by card or use a prepaid system that allows them to top up credit, collect rewards and speed up transactions.

Sustainability is also a key focus. A new reusable cup system encourages visitors to return their glasses in exchange for incentives such as discounts or prize entries. The goal is to reduce plastic waste while making recycling part of the festival experience.

These changes reflect a wider shift towards more efficient, environmentally conscious events, without losing the festival’s laid-back charm.

Live music and city-wide atmosphere

Beyond food, entertainment plays a central role. Live performances are scheduled across the festival, including evening concerts that bring an extra layer of energy to La Glorieta.

The atmosphere extends beyond a single location. Additional food areas and artisan markets pop up across the city, including stalls selling handmade goods and extra dining zones that help spread the crowds.

This wider setup turns the festival into a city-wide experience, blending gastronomy with culture and local traditions.

Why it keeps growing

Tapa i Festa continues to evolve each year, balancing tradition with modern updates. Its success lies in its simplicity: good food, a central location and a format that welcomes everyone.

By combining street food trends with local festive spirit, it offers something different from more formal gastronomic events. It’s not about fine dining – it’s about atmosphere, variety and accessibility.

As Alcoy’s fiestas draw thousands to the city, this food fair has carved out its own identity as a must-visit experience, one where the flavours are diverse, the vibe is social and the celebration never really stops.