Ham, music and even more ham. Estepona’s biggest meat feast returns for 11th year

Estepona is ready yet again to turn into a kilometre‑long open‑air larder, where the scent of cured meat fills the air. This is the 11th World ham ‘Popi’ contest back for ten summer nights of Iberian indulgence and free entertainment.

When and where the Popi Jamon festival happens

The event runs from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 16 along Estepona’s Paseo Maritimo, with opening hours from 7pm to 2am. Entry to the festival site is free, with food and drink for sale, many plates and tastings are set at around five euros.

Previous years have been a huge hit and organisers are hoping this year will be no different, in-fact bigger and better with expected crowds to approach the half‑million mark over the ten days. This meaty favourite has earnt recongnition as an ‘Event of Tourist Interest in Andalucia’. Residents an tourists flock to the area to taste some of the best food’s from across the country. The huge selection on offer means you can always stumble across something new. Adam from Malaga who attended last year said; “My recommendation is to look for the stall from Ardales and buy the morcilla (black pudding with fresh mint) – It’s ASTOUNDING! And you’re unlikely to find it on sale in many other places”

Iberian ham, local producers and a five‑euro food trail

Sixty‑five exhibitors will line the promenade, offering freshly sliced jamon iberico, other pork products, artisan cheeses, breads, wines and a range of local specialities. More than 200 professional ham carvers are scheduled to work the stalls, giving visitors a chance to watch precise knife work up close before tasting the results.

A group of producers linked to the ‘Sabor a Malaga’ brand will present a curated selection of provincial goods, from chestnut‑fed ham and goat cheeses to cured meats and Malaga wines. This section aims to connect small producers directly with customers and boost visibility for regional brands.

Free concerts every night, a feast for the ears

A free concert is programmed for each evening, to treat you to sounds and not just taste. The line‑up spans rumba, flamenco, pop, Latin rhythms and Spanish rock, with performances starting late and running into the early hours.

Confirmed acts include:

– Fri 7 Aug: Bordon 4
– Sat 8 Aug: Justito a Tiempo
– Sun 9 Aug: Nolasco
– Mon 10 Aug: Henry Mendez
– Tue 11 Aug: La Frontera
– Wed 12 Aug: Melon Diesel
– Thu 13 Aug: Piratas Flamencos
– Fri 14 Aug: Burning
– Sat 15 Aug: Dani Marquez and Long Play
– Sun 16 Aug: Malamanera

For anyone planning summer break or just fancies a change, this huge well-loved festival is perfect for a wander along the seafront, browsing food markets by dusk, sampling Iberian classics at friendly prices, and staying for a free gig as the night falls.

For more information visit the Estepona Town Hall website