Almoharín is once again on the gastronomic and agri-food map with its Fig Fair, an event that brings together professionals, producers and the public around the fig tree and its most emblematic fruit. The town, recognized as European Capital of the Fig, celebrates its seventh edition between the 19 and the September 21 with a program that combines tradition, innovation and popular enjoyment.
The event consolidates the role of the fig zucchini as a symbol of identity and an economic engine for the municipality. Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to learn firsthand about the product's value chain and discover the work of 17 exhibitors, with a prominent presence of local businesses, crafts and other foods from the region.
Inauguration and recognitions
The official opening will take place on Friday at 18:30 p.m. in the square, with a nod to local tradition: the symbolic marriage of the fig and the walnut, accompanied by a piece of classical music created for the occasion by the pianist and composer Martha Lozano within his artistic project.
During the event, the Innova Ficus Award a Antonio Cano Cano, mayor of Almoharín between 1991 and 2019, for his vision in promoting this fair. Among other authorities present will be the President of the Cáceres Provincial Council, Miguel Ángel Morales, the Government delegate in Extremadura, José Luis Quintana, and the President of the Assembly of Extremadura, Blanca Martín.
Technical conferences and agricultural debate
The professional aspect starts after the inauguration with a presentation by Santos Ramos García about drones and smart agriculture, with a special focus on improving fig cultivation and its field applications.
The technical program includes a Roundtable about him present and future of the fig tree, moderated by Antonia Fernández Silva, which will feature industry leaders such as Clemente Moreno, Lucio Arroyo, Carlos Búrdalo, Soraya Pacheco, and Manuel Cacenave, combining traditional experience with the perspective of new generations.
Exhibitors and flavors of figs
The trade show brings together 17 stands, with four companies based in Almoharín dedicated to the processing of figs, as well as olive oil mills, artisans, and local producers. Visitors can taste and purchase dried and fresh fig, vinegar and jams, fig bread and the recognized fig bonbon, among other elaborations.
The cooperative Regadhigos and specialized local firms emphasize quality and origin, with proposals that range from organic preparations to formats designed for the international market, maintaining the roots with the fig zucchini.
Weekend Agenda
On Saturday, September 20, at 12 pm, the trade show opens in the area of The Vega, with agri-food and artisan stalls. At 13:30 The VII Fig Gastronomic Competition will be decided and from 14:00 the traditional will be offered tomato soup with figs, prepared by the Almoharín Hiking Association.
Saturday afternoon is packed with activities for families with workshops, inflatables and games until 18:00. At 16:00 the local group will perform The Salaitos, and from the 21:00 the tributes will arrive to La Oreja de Van Gogh y Extreme, topped off with a DJ session.
Sunday the 21st is reserved for nature and physical activity with the hiking route “Walking among Fig Trees”, second edition, which covers the areas surrounding the fig tree, accompanied by stories about the fruit and the landscape. The organizers have planned pre-registration, with a deadline set until the 17th.
The program will culminate on Saturday, September 27 with a hunting tour. Compak Sporting, coordinated by the Almoharín Hunters Association.
Economic and social dimension of the fig
The fig sector in Almoharín maintains a forecast of 1,5 million kilos In the current campaign, with committed sales and a market that is expanding to 40 countries (including China, Bulgaria and Canada). In boom years, production can approach two million, according to industry sources.
El 70% of agricultural land of the municipality is occupied by fig trees, a model that combines economy, landscape and local identity. The City Council emphasizes that the fig tree is not just a crop: it is development, roots and innovation with respect for the environment, key to combating depopulation.
The cooperative Regadhigos brings together some 600 cooperative members and channels a good part of the production, with 50% destined for exportThe Almoharín fig sales network extends to European and non-European destinations, reinforcing the value of its origin.
Institutional support and projection
Representatives of major institutions participated in the presentation and opening. Government delegate, José Luis Quintana, highlighted the role of cultivation as a generator of employment and cohesion, while the President of the Assembly, Blanca Martín, encouraged to continue working towards an eventual Designation of Origin for the Almoharín fig. Also present was the Diputación de Cáceres, with support for the agricultural fabric and the projection of the municipality as European Capital of the Fig.
As an event that brings together tradition, flavor and professionalism, the Almoharín Fig Fair offers dates, times and activities For all audiences: from technical sessions and specialized exhibitors to the hiking route and tastings, a complete itinerary to understand why the fig is much more than a product in this corner of Extremadura.
