The city of Soria, in collaboration with the Montes de Soria Association, has launched an exhibition titled ‘Soria, toda una experiencia micológica’ (Soria, a complete mycological experience), which will be open to the public until 28 October at El Trinquete. This initiative aims to celebrate the region's mycological heritage through a blend of nature, tradition, craftsmanship, innovation, and gastronomy.
Teresa Valdenebro, the city’s councillor for commerce, emphasised the importance of this exhibition in showcasing a product that is integral to the identity of Soria. She stated, “We wanted to combine nature, tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship so that both young and old can enjoy the exhibition and discover everything behind the world of mushrooms.”
The exhibition features life-sized and oversized handcrafted mushroom replicas created by a local artist, allowing visitors to appreciate their shapes and characteristics. Among the highlights is a large replica of a Boletus edulis designed as a small house for children, alongside other pieces intended as photo opportunities.
Additionally, the exhibition includes recreations of mycological landscapes and informative panels about various species and best harvesting practices. A key feature is a virtual reality experience that allows participants to explore Soria's pine forests, meadows, and oak groves in three dimensions using immersive glasses. This approximately eleven-minute experience enables visitors to identify different fungal habitats, understand the role of mycelium in ecosystems, and learn guidelines for sustainable and safe harvesting.
Valdenebro encouraged citizens, particularly families, to visit El Trinquete and participate in the activities, highlighting the exhibition's aim to blend learning with entertainment. She also stressed the need to preserve the natural environment, stating, “The mycological wealth we have in the province of Soria exists because our ancestors knew how to care for the forest. Therefore, I urge those who go out to collect mushrooms to show the same respect so that the forest continues to be preserved.”
José Antonio Vega, a representative of the Montes de Soria Association, expressed gratitude for the municipal commitment to maintaining mycological activities during an autumn when mushroom production is limited. He noted that such educational initiatives are particularly important in these circumstances, allowing the public to engage with this resource without relying solely on field outings. “The more we know about this resource, the more we will value and respect it,” Vega remarked, also praising El Trinquete as an exhibition space.
The association is contributing to the exhibition with ‘MicoHábitats’, which showcases the diversity of environments where mushrooms can be found, from pine forests and oak groves to grasslands, riverbanks, and holm oak forests. Informative panels help visitors identify different species, using a colour-coded system to distinguish between edible, toxic, and non-culinary mushrooms. Vega also highlighted the importance of good practices during harvesting and consumption to prevent poisoning and avoid unnecessary damage to ecosystems.
In light of changing mycological seasons, Vega advocated for adapting tourism activities to the actual conditions of the forest and exploring mycological opportunities in other seasons. Since 1 September, approximately 3,300 harvesting permits have been issued, with around 2,500 granted in the first fourteen days of October, coinciding with recent rainfall. He reminded that the fees from these permits help fund training, outreach, and territorial dynamisation activities.
Parallel activities for all ages
The exhibition is complemented by a range of activities for all ages. On Saturdays 17 and 24 October at 12:00, there will be a children’s workshop on mycological ceramics and another on artistic creation titled Hilarte Micológico, aimed at children aged 5 to 12. On Sundays 18 and 25 October, the Pinarcillo de Valonsadero will host the Micosenda Route and Mico Games, featuring walks, scavenger hunts, challenges, and family activities to discover mushrooms and learn to care for the natural environment. Two sessions are planned at 11:00 and 12:00, with groups of 20 participants.
Gastronomy will also play a significant role, with a mycological pastry demonstration by Juan Carlos Lavilla from the Tres Chocolates bakery in Ágreda on Sunday 18 October at 18:00. On Sunday 25 October at 18:00, José Antonio Vega will lead a dynamic talk on best practices for mushroom harvesting and consumption, offering advice on how to enjoy this resource safely and responsibly.
Exhibition details and registration
The exhibition will be open at El Trinquete, accessible via Plaza Ramón Ayllón ‘El Carmen’, from 14 to 28 October. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 18:00 to 20:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00. The virtual reality experience is aimed at individuals aged 12 and over, with adult supervision required for minors, and registration is necessary at the information point in El Trinquete. Sessions will be organised every 20 minutes. For the children’s workshops and family activities in Valonsadero, prior registration is required via email at rescata2.otl@gmail.com, indicating the activity, session, and names of participants. Demonstrations and talks are open to the public until capacity is reached.
This initiative by the Ayuntamiento de Soria and Montes de Soria aims to enhance awareness of mycological heritage and its connections to culture, gastronomy, tourism, and environmental conservation.
