A short story about Salón del Jamón Íberico y la Dehesa
The Iberian Ham Experience, officially known as the Salón del Jamón Ibérico y la Dehesa, is one of the most celebrated gastronomic events in Spain. Held annually in Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz, Extremadura), this fair is both a tribute to acorn-fed Iberian ham and a celebration of the dehesa—a unique Mediterranean ecosystem that sustains this exceptional product.
Origins and Development
The fair was conceived in 1989 and held for the first time in 1990 as a joint effort by the City Council of Jerez de los Caballeros, local farmers, and producers, with the aim of promoting the Iberian pig and its products, particularly jamón ibérico de bellota. Initially hosted near the Santa Lucía park, it later moved to the Fairgrounds of Jerez, where it continues to grow in scale and popularity.
What began as a local event is now a national and international reference, attracting more than 100 exhibitors and over 20,000 visitors in recent editions.
Connection with the Dehesa
The dehesa, a semi-natural pastureland created in the Middle Ages, is the ecological heart of Iberian ham production. This environment supports the montanera season, when pigs roam freely and feed on acorns, producing the ham’s iconic marbling and flavor. The dehesa’s importance was formally recognized in 2007, when it became part of the EU Natura 2000 Network.
Key Moments and Dates
1990: First official edition of the fair.
2001: Creation of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Dehesa de Extremadura.
2020: The fair was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022: The fair returned with new focuses: digitalization, export, and gastronomic tourism.
2024: The 34th edition was held from May 9 to 12, featuring Territorio Pata Negra technical sessions.
2025: Scheduled for May 8–11.
The fair traditionally takes place in the second week of May, right after Labor Day.
Activities and Competitions
The fair blends tradition, innovation, and education, offering:
Ham carving competitions, such as the Jamón de Oro and Cortadores contests.
Tastings, workshops, and culinary shows.
Technical seminars and roundtable discussions.
Cultural events like concerts, bullfighting, and exhibitions.
Notable Figures and Winners
Throughout its history, the fair has welcomed figures from politics, gastronomy, and local culture:
Guillermo Fernández Vara: President of the Junta de Extremadura, often inaugurates the fair.
Florencio Sanchidrián: Renowned maestro cortador, participated as a guest.
Santi Santamaría: Prestigious chef and guest of honor.
Virginia Borrallo: Former mayor of Jerez, presenter of awards.
Raúl Píriz: 1st place winner in slicing contest (from Salamanca).
José Delgado (León) and Juan Barragán (Monesterio): other top winners.
Legacy and Importance
This event is more than a fair—it's a cultural institution. It unites producers, citizens, and tourists in the celebration of:
Tradition and heritage of the Iberian Peninsula.
The sustainable rural economy of Extremadura.
The culinary excellence of one of Spain’s most iconic products.
Together with Semana Santa and the Templarios Festival, it is among the most important events in Jerez de los Caballeros.