La Seu d’Urgell officially opened the Fira de Sant Ermengol 2026, a key event celebrating local gastronomy and economic dynamism in the Alt Pirineo region. The inauguration was led by Alícia Romero, the Economy and Finance Councillor of the Generalitat of Catalonia, alongside local officials including the mayor, Joan Barrera, and the Deputy Mayor for Economic Promotion, Gemma Tó.
This year's fair continues to position La Seu as a prominent meeting point for artisan cheese, local cuisine, and economic development. In her speech, Councillor Romero highlighted the gastronomic richness of Catalonia and the importance of events like the Fira de Sant Ermengol in showcasing local excellence. She stated, “Catalunya is a wonderful country where we can find everything: good products, producers, and restaurateurs who make us enjoy our talent. This is what we will see today at the fair, a showcase of our gastronomy.”
In line with the International Day of Rural Women, Romero also emphasised the need to highlight the role of women in the agro-food sector. “Female talent accounts for 50% of society’s talent; it must be present everywhere, including this sector. It makes sense to showcase women’s contributions through specific programmes on this day and at fairs like this, where we can explain that women are also relevant and fundamental,” she added.
The councillor advocated for territorial equity as a cornerstone of public policies, asserting that “in Catalunya, there must be opportunities for everyone, regardless of where they were born, where they live, or where they choose to develop their life trajectory.”
Mayor Joan Barrera described the fair as a central element of the city’s cultural and social heritage, calling for support to develop the mountain regions. He stated, “The Fira de Sant Ermengol is part of our identity. It is a legacy from many generations of people from Urgell who have made La Seu a place of meeting, exchange, and commerce over the centuries.”
Barrera also underscored the importance of the Pyrenees, saying, “The Pyrenees do not ask for privileges; they ask to develop their full potential. To achieve this, we need the commitment of all administrations, starting with the Generalitat of Catalunya.” He stressed the necessity of retaining young talent and providing the economic framework for growth, stating, “We need our young people to find professional opportunities without having to leave. Entrepreneurs must be able to pursue their projects, and businesses need the right conditions to grow. The Ayuntamiento is clear that La Seu must continue to lead the Pyrenees.”
Deputy Mayor Gemma Tó highlighted the human aspect and the network of relationships fostered by the fair, stating, “A fair is not just about stalls, products, or activities. It is also about the work of many people, the relationships created, and the opportunities generated. Valuing what we do is fundamentally about valuing the people who make it possible. Let us enjoy the fair and the chance to connect, which is one of the reasons that give meaning to a city.”
The Fira de Sant Ermengol will remain open throughout the weekend, offering a wide range of artisan showcases, tastings, workshops, and activities for all ages, with the 32nd Artisan Cheese Fair of the Pyrenees as a central feature of this significant socio-economic event.
