30th Serón Ham and Sausage Fair draws food lovers to Almería

Celebrating its thirtieth anniversary edition, Serón’s traditional Ham and Sausage Fair proved once again why it remains one of Almería province’s most eagerly anticipated gastronomic events. Drawing thousands of loyal locals alongside curious visitors from across the province and beyond, the milestone weekend celebrated not only the town’s world-renowned cured meats but also the people, traditions and craftsmanship that have shaped Serón’s identity over the past three decades.

Spain’s finest ham carvers compete in Serón

The festivities got off to an exciting start with the National Ham Carving Competition, one of the fair’s standout attractions. Six of Spain’s most talented and steady-handed cortadores gathered in Serón to battle it out for the coveted title and, more importantly, secure qualification for the 2027 Spanish Championship.

Watched by a captivated audience in Plaza Nueva and projected onto a giant screen, the competition transformed the centuries-old tradition of ham carving into a tense spectator sport. Every slice mattered as contestants were judged not only on speed, but also on the thickness and consistency of each cut, the presentation of the finished plates and how efficiently they worked around the entire leg of ham.

After careful deliberation, the judges awarded first place to Antonio Gómez Pérez, whose flawless technique earned him a place in next year’s national championship. His precision and composure impressed both the jury and the packed crowd, making him a worthy winner of one of Spain’s most prestigious qualifying contests.

A showcase of Serón’s finest local produce

Saturday shifted the spotlight from competition to celebration as visitors sampled the very best of Serón’s celebrated food and drink. While the town is best known for its exceptional cured hams and sausages, organisers used the anniversary edition to shine a light on the wider variety of artisan products made across the municipality.

Stalls were filled with locally produced cheeses, honey, wines and other regional specialities, giving visitors the chance to discover flavours that often take a back seat to Serón’s famous jamón. Producers were on hand throughout the day to explain their products, offering an opportunity to meet the people whose dedication has helped establish the town as one of Andalusia’s leading food destinations.

The fair has grown far beyond a simple food festival since it first began in the mid-1990s. Today it serves as an important showcase for local businesses, promoting Serón’s agricultural heritage while giving a welcome boost to the local economy and attracting thousands of visitors each summer.

Music rounds off a memorable anniversary

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly festive. Visitors continued enjoying generous tastings of local produce until midnight, when the food stalls closed and the entertainment took centre stage.

The Generación Vintash orchestra kept crowds dancing long into the night before DJ Cheko rounded off the celebrations with a lively set, providing the perfect finale to a weekend that successfully honoured 30 years of flavour, tradition and community spirit.

With another hugely successful edition now complete, the Serón Ham and Sausage Fair has once again cemented its reputation as one of Andalucía’s premier food festivals, celebrating not only outstanding local produce but also the heritage and craftsmanship that continue to put this small Almanzora town firmly on the gastronomic map.