Gastronomic fairs and food competitions are an irresistible off-season attraction in Ibiza, offering visitors a unique way to discover the island’s culture through its rich culinary heritage.
Alongside the featured ingredient for each event, these food festivals are enhanced with a variety of entertainment, such as live music, games for children, exhibitions, cultural activities, and an unbeatable festive atmosphere. With approximately twelve fairs spread across the year, these events highlight Ibiza’s diverse local produce and bring communities together.
Recent additions to the calendar in 2024 include the Sant Josep Red Potato Fair and the Sabors de Ibiza Fair, reflecting a growing appreciation for traditional island flavours.
February: tradition and flavour begin the ear
The foodie year kicks off in February with the World Matanzas Rice Championship in Sant Antoni, one of the island’s most spirited food competitions. Groups of friends gather to compete for the title of the most delicious ‘arròs de matances‘, a dish steeped in Ibizan tradition. The event is lively and social, showcasing the skills of participants as they blend rice with pork, saffron, and other local ingredients.
February is also the month of the Corona Sofrit Pagès Competition, where locals and visitors alike celebrate this iconic dish. Made with lamb, red potatoes, sobrassada, botifarró, and free-range chicken, this hearty recipe epitomises Ibiza’s culinary identity. Families and groups take great care to create their best version, infusing the event with a sense of tradition and community spirit.
March: the humble ‘gerret’ fish takes the stage
March welcomes one of Ibiza’s longest-running fairs, dedicated to ‘gerret‘, a small but flavourful fish abundant in the Pityusic waters. Held in Santa Eulària, the Gerret Fair transforms the town into a culinary hotspot.
Fishermen’s guilds and local restaurants collaborate to offer a variety of creative dishes featuring ‘gerret‘. Visitors are treated to tastings, demonstrations, and a lively market atmosphere that pays tribute to Ibiza’s fishing heritage.
April: celebrating Ibiza’s culinary heritage
In 2024, Ibiza commemorated 25 years since its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the celebratory events, special attention was given to showcasing the island’s gastronomic heritage.
An exhibition in April brought together producers from Ibiza’s fields and coasts to highlight local ingredients. Tastings, workshops, and live cooking demonstrations were part of this initiative, allowing visitors to experience the authentic flavours of the island.
May: a new fair for an iconic ingredient
This year saw the debut of the Fira de la Patata Vermella d’Eivissa in May, honouring the island’s iconic red potato. Recognised for its rich flavour and versatility, the red potato is a cornerstone of Ibizan cuisine, appearing in countless traditional dishes.
The fair celebrates this humble yet indispensable ingredient through tastings, cooking contests, and a market showcasing local produce.
September: a gourmet revival
After a quieter summer, Ibiza’s culinary scene comes alive again in September with the Ibiza Gourmet Fair. Held at the island’s exhibition centre, this event brings together restaurants, brands, and producers to showcase Ibiza’s gastronomic diversity.
The fair features tastings, product launches, and workshops, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
The Salt Fair: a cultural and culinary treasure
The Salt Fair in late September or early October is more than a gastronomic event; it is a celebration of Ibiza’s historical and cultural connection to salt.
As one of the island’s most important exports, salt played a vital role in preserving food and shaping the local economy. Highlights of the fair include tastings, educational activities, and a theatrical reenactment of traditional manual salt harvesting in the historic salt flats, offering a fascinating glimpse into Ibiza’s past.
Autumn: seafood delights
October is dedicated to the Gastronomic Squid Fair in Sant Carles, where food stalls serve an array of creative squid-based dishes.
This delicious cephalopod takes centre stage again in November during the Sant Miquel Fair, which pairs squid with another local favourite: red potatoes. Together, they form the base of ‘frita de polp‘, a beloved Ibizan dish.
Sabors de Ibiza: tradition and innovation
The newly introduced Sabors de Ibiza Fair celebrates the island’s culinary richness by blending tradition with innovation. With activities for all ages, this event offers a producers’ market, tapas tastings, live cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly workshops.
It’s a vibrant showcase of the island’s agricultural and gastronomic heritage.
December: a festive farewell
The year concludes with the Sa Matança Fair in Sant Llorenç, celebrating the traditional slaughter of pigs, an event once central to family life on the island.
Visitors can enjoy tastings of ‘sobrassada‘, ‘botifarró’, and other pork-based delicacies in a convivial, festive atmosphere.
A toast delayed
Sadly, the Vi Pagès Festival in Sant Mateu, a highlight of the local wine calendar, will not take place this year due to drought conditions. However, it remains a cherished tradition that will return when nature allows.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious, these fairs offer a unique opportunity to savour Ibiza’s culinary heritage and connect with its local culture.
