The Mercat de Dalt in Ontinyent is set to host its first Craft Beer Market on Saturday, 24 October. This event, organised by the Cultural Association Art i Tast with support from the Ontinyent City Council and other local entities, aims to celebrate craft beer alongside gastronomy and music.
Taking place at the Municipal Market from 12:00 to 19:00, the event will be free to enter and is part of the 'Sábados de Mercado' initiative, which promotes various themed activities throughout the year. Natàlia Enguix, the councillor for Economic Promotion, emphasised the significance of this initiative, noting that it reflects the efforts made by the City Council to revitalise the market since last year.
Enguix stated, "It is gratifying to see that our initial efforts are beginning to bear fruit. We wanted local entities and associations to organise activities at our market to attract visitors and encourage citizens to shop when the stalls are open."
The revitalisation of the Municipal Market began with a comprehensive assessment of the space, examining shopping habits, peak days, and the needs of vendors. This analysis led to several initiatives aimed at enhancing the market's visibility and supporting local businesses.
Among the first measures was the launch of a new website, MercatOntinyent.com, and a guide featuring information and contact details for market stalls. During the Christmas season, the 'Buen Mercado' campaign was introduced to incentivise purchases, followed by the 'Sábados de Mercado' programme, which includes various themed activities throughout 2026.
Following the success of the Wine Market, events such as the Artichoke Market in February have paved the way for the Craft Beer Market, which is unique in that it originates from local community initiatives. Enguix highlighted the importance of community involvement for the ongoing revitalisation process, mentioning that there are currently two requests to open new stalls in the Municipal Market.
Rubén Montava, president of Art i Tast, explained that the idea for the Craft Beer Market emerged after three years of hosting private tastings, with the aim of sharing the craft beer culture with the public. The association believes the market is an ideal venue to showcase diverse flavours and introduce this gastronomic culture to new audiences.
Montava, along with fellow members Vicent Tormo and Jorge Jordà, noted that brewers from various regions of the Valencian Community and beyond will participate, offering a wide range of beers, including non-alcoholic options. The event will also feature two gastronomic spaces, artisan products, and live music throughout the day.
Entry to the event will be free, with attendees able to purchase a welcome ticket that includes a tapa, a drink, a glass, and informational materials, alongside additional tickets for sampling different beers and food offerings. Each beer will be priced at €3, while tapas will range from €3 to €5. The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be restricted to individuals over the age of 18.
