Autumn brings together fans and experts once again around the mycological days which different Spanish towns celebrate with proposals that combine nature, science and gastronomyReconnaissance routes, exhibitions, talks and cooking demonstrations complete the agenda in various parts of the country.
These appointments aim to highlight the fungal wealth of the territories, promote responsible tourism, and make safe species identification accessible to audiences of all ages. The offerings are varied, but the common thread is clear: going out into the mountains with good judgment and enjoy the season responsibly.
Calendar and featured venues
In Laguna de Duero (Valladolid) two key activities are announced: one mushroom interpretation route scheduled for Saturday, November 8, from 10:00 to 13:00, in the municipal area –the exact zone will be adjusted to where there is the most fruiting–, and a cooking workshop-demonstration with mushrooms on Sunday the 9th, from 11:30 to 13:30, at the House of Arts, led by the specialist César Lomas and with access from age 12.
In the Campo de Gibraltar region, Los Barrios is home to the XII Mycological Conference of the Strait From Friday, November 14th to Sunday, November 16th, with guided outings in areas of the Strait Natural Park, technical talks on local species and showcookings where cooking with porcini mushrooms, saffron milk caps or chanterelle mushrooms occupies a central place.
Cabanillas has celebrated its XIII Mycological Conference with a traditional outing to Ulzama, a popular competition, mushroom exhibition and a tasting at a symbolic price, in addition to a musical closing that brought together neighbors and visitors in a festive atmosphere.
The Campo Arañuelo (Extremadura) maintains a program spread over several days: on Saturday the 8th a exposure and identification of specimens in the Jardincillo, on Sunday the 9th there is a regional meeting with a trip to the pasture in Toril and on Wednesday the 12th the talk is presented “Boletus: the mushroom hunter’s passion”; on the weekend of the 15th and 16th, two field trips are completed in Bohonal de Ibor and Fresnedoso.
In Teruel, the University of Zaragoza Campus has organized trips to Mycological Park of the Community of Albarracín, exhibition of nearly 70 species at the faculty and open informative talks, in addition to maintaining during November the “Mycological Mondays” to resolve doubts about identification and safe consumption.
La Rioja joins in with Aguilar del Río Alhama, where the events include a documentary screening, gathering in the mountainsExhibition with identification in the Plaza de España, tasting of tapas and raffle, with support from the City Council and local businesses.
In the province of Soria, Navaleno hosts a mycological fair and a large exhibition of fresh mushrooms in the sports center, in addition to informative presentations and a Photography contestThe organization has adjusted departures due to lower yields on some dates, focusing on outreach and respect for the resource.
Programs that combine mountains, science and cooking
The pattern is repeated with local variations: guided tours to learn to recognize species, identification sessions with experts, exhibition spaces to see specimens with their scientific names, and talks on mycelium conservation and the mycobiomesGastronomy is gaining ground with themed menus, tasting bars, and practical demonstrations of cooking with mushrooms.
In Los Barrios, for example, local restaurants and chefs prepare menus where mushrooms take center stage, with options such as risottos, creams, or scrambled eggs made with them. seasonal speciesalways emphasizing the origin and responsible use of the resource.
Registration, ages and recommendations
The activities are usually free or low cost and with limited placesTherefore, advance booking is recommended. Hiking boots, a basket (not a plastic bag), and a knife are recommended for the routes, as well as respecting collection regulations and quotas established by each municipality or protected area.
In Laguna de Duero, registration prioritizes those registered up to the November 5thFrom the 6th until 13:00 PM on the 7th, non-residents can register. Contact is via email. tourism@lagunadeduero.orgindicating the full name, age and telephone number of each participant.
Disclosure and food safety
Education is a pillar of these events: the Teruel Mycological Society has offered didactic talks on fungal biology, invasive species, preparation techniques, and cases of toxicity from consuming raw or in large quantities. This approach reduces risks and promotes responsible consumption with clear criteria.
In Campo Arañuelo, in addition to guided tours, round tables on mushrooms are held. pyrophiles and anthracophiles, as well as monographic lectures dedicated to the genus Boletus, highly appreciated but requiring identification accurate to prevent confusions.
Voices of the territory and state of the season
The Tourism Department of Laguna de Duero emphasizes that these events highlight the mycological tradition local and reinforce quality sustainable tourism. Experts remind us that the season depends on the rain and temperatureAlthough the beginning may be drier, there are areas with a good response thanks to recent rainfall and the diversity of habitats.
Organizers and mycological societies agree that the Los Barrios region is an ideal setting due to its mosaic of Mediterranean forest and coastline, while Navaleno It maintains its major event with a powerful exhibition and cultural component, even adjusting its activities if conditions are not favorable.
How to enjoy yourself without leaving a trace
The associations insist on collecting only what is known, avoiding dubious species and do not start Specimens to "try your luck." It's key to cut carefully, not disturb the soil, leave older mushrooms to sporulate, and return any uneaten mushrooms to the field. The goal: keep the resource for the next campaigns.
Those who participate in these sessions will find expert supportEducational routes and activities designed for all audiences, with a proposal that combines learning, gastronomic enjoyment and respect for the environment; a complete and close way to experience the mushroom season.