The provincial government of Córdoba has joined the request to declare the Feria del Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico DOP Los Pedroches as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Andalucía. This initiative, according to the president of the provincial institution, Salvador Fuentes, represents a significant step in promoting the region.
Fuentes stated, "This declaration would acknowledge a well-established tradition and provide a unique opportunity to enhance the promotion not only of the fair but of the entire region." He praised the efforts of the Villanueva de Córdoba City Council, which has collaborated with the Denomination of Origin (DOP) to advance this process, coinciding with the fair's 26th edition, thereby meeting the required longevity criteria.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration among local authorities, stating, "We must align the governance of all stakeholders; the City Council, the provincial government, and the Junta de Andalucía, as the Tourist Interest Declaration is a hallmark that projects us globally as a leading tourist area."
Fuentes further noted that the initiative has transcended its local character, becoming a key showcase for 100% Iberian ham, as well as for the dehesa landscape, which represents natural beauty, development, and future potential.
He highlighted the vision of those who initiated the fair in 2000, a time when gastronomic fairs did not have the same recognition or appeal as they do today. "This is a 26-year effort of doing things right, with a commercial sense and a showcase concept, knowing we had the best ham in the world, the best farmers, and the finest dehesa, and this needed to be marketed," he added.
Fuentes pointed out that the Túnel del Jamón has been a successful gastronomic initiative, and the 'Guardians of the Dehesa' programme has also been a smart addition to the DOP's year-round activities. He acknowledged the crucial role of producers under the DOP's umbrella in making the fair an unmissable event for the ham industry.
According to Fuentes, the statistics speak for themselves, showcasing Córdoba's importance in the Iberian sector. The province boasts approximately 2,000 Iberian farms across over 360,000 hectares of oak groves, combining tradition, innovation, and business acumen. In 2025, the DOP certified nearly 70,000 hams and shoulders, demonstrating the sector's growth and commitment to quality, which was recognised when a ham from Los Pedroches was awarded the title of Best Ham in the World in Ronda.
Villanueva de Córdoba's mayor, Isaac Reyes, emphasised the fair's ongoing development, including partnerships with the Ham Fair of Aracena and Cambados, as well as joining the Network of Gastronomic Municipalities of Spain. Reyes stated that the goal is to position their municipality and region as a reference for gastronomic tourism and experiences year-round, beyond the fair itself.
The 26th edition of the Feria del Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico DOP Los Pedroches features a comprehensive programme of activities, including the competition for the Best Ham of the Fair. As in previous years, there will be recognition for the farmer and the farm where the winning ham's pig was raised, highlighting the work of local agricultural enterprises and their commitment to sustainable practices.
Today, a regional competition for the Best Ham Cutter is scheduled, while the national competition will take place on Sunday, 8 November. The programme also includes technical workshops, seminars, business exhibitions, discussions on Iberian pig pricing, tasting sessions, and guided tours featuring local artisans and tourism businesses.
