La Sierra de Yeguas Asparagus and Organic Farming Fair It has established itself as one of the major gastronomic and agroecological events in inland Málaga. Every spring, the Málaga municipality transforms its fairgrounds into a grand showcase of local products, with asparagus as the undisputed star and organic farming as the common thread running through the entire program.
With the recognition of Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest Organized by the Malaga Provincial Council, this event attracts thousands of visitors, who find in Sierra de Yeguas a meeting point between countryside and city, culinary tradition, innovation in the kitchen and active tourism proposals in a natural environment especially accessible for families.
A leading gastronomic event in the interior of Malaga
The fair is held in the Sierra de Yeguas fairgroundsA space of approximately 7.400 square meters is transformed into a large open-air market. There, stands displaying agricultural, food, and artisanal products are set up, with over 70 companies participating from the municipality itself, the region, and other parts of Andalusia to showcase their wares.
They can be purchased at market stalls fresh asparagus and asparagus-based productsExtra virgin olive oils, cured meats, honeys, traditional sweets, and a wide range of certified organic products are available. This selection makes the fair a very attractive direct sales point for small producers, who find a large audience here interested in locally sourced products.
The event is part of a tourism promotion strategy driven by the Malaga Provincial Council and the City Council, with the slogan "Come and fry asparagus"which has become a hallmark of Sierra de Yeguas. Under this brand are grouped key elements of the municipality such as its natural heritage, its gastronomy and its festivals, reinforcing an image of an attractive and accessible rural destination.
Among the attractions of this event, its role as also stands out. gastronomic benchmark of inland AndalusiaIt is capable of bringing together in a single day popular tastings, product presentations, musical performances and spaces for children's leisure, making it a particularly convenient option to visit with family or a group of friends.
Asparagus, an economic engine and star of the local cuisine
The cultivation of asparagus (what to plant in an urban garden) has been one of the for decades economic pillars of Sierra de Yeguaswith significant development since the 1980s. The fair was created precisely to give visibility to this product and the work of the farmers, many of whom are linked to organic production, which gives the event its name.
Throughout the day, asparagus is presented in multiple culinary formats: Flamenco-style asparagus, tortillas, scrambled eggs, grilled dishes And, of course, the traditional giant paella made with this ingredient as its main base. This paella usually serves over a thousand people, making it one of the most anticipated moments for attendees.
One of the key names in these tastings is that of the chef Mariano Serrano, chef linked to Canal Surwho is in charge of preparing the flamenco-style asparagus for the public. Alongside him, the catering service La Encina participates in the preparation of the asparagus rice, reinforcing the importance of local and regional restaurants in the program.
The latest edition also incorporates innovative proposals, such as the asparagus churrosPrepared by La ChurrerÃa Eventos, the churrerÃa offers a fusion of traditional breakfast treats with the flavor of its star ingredient. Also featured is a typical sweet treat reinterpreted for the occasion: "esparragochÃos," a version of the traditional ochÃos from PanaderÃa Maldonado e Hijos, adapted in shape and color to resemble asparagus.
This combination of traditional recipes and culinary innovations allows us to showcase to the visitor the gastronomic versatility of asparaguswhich goes far beyond a simple garnish and is at the heart of main dishes, appetizers and sweet products designed both for consumption at the fair and to take home.
Organic market and presence of the European Cheese Route
The ecological aspect is another key focus of the Asparagus Fair. The agri-food market includes a wide range of products. organic producers, which they market directly Vegetables and greens, oils, honeys and other certified products, reinforcing the idea of ​​a more sustainable and locally sourced food.
The municipality is part of the European Cheese RouteThis sense of belonging is reflected in the fair, with several member cheese dairies participating. Companies such as Doña Francisca, La Covacha, La Antigua, El SeñorÃo del Monasterio, El Roano, QueserÃa Aramburu, S'arangÃ, and Quesos Los Barrancos, the latter based in Sierra de Yeguas, are all present.
The participation of these cheese dairies, some of which are part of recognized designations of origin In Spain, it adds value to the market, allowing visitors to taste and purchase cheeses of different formats and ages, many of them made using artisanal methods and with milk from nearby farms.
The market's bar service is provided by brotherhoods and local groups, such as the Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus of Humility or the Brotherhood of Christ of the True Cross, so that part of the economic activity generated by the fair directly benefits the social fabric of the municipality.
Taken together, the market for organic agriculture and artisanal products makes the fair a promotional platform for the agri-food sector of the area, fostering alliances between producers, restaurateurs and visitors, and reinforcing Sierra de Yeguas' position on the provincial gastronomic map.
Program, schedules and activities for all audiences
The main day of the Asparagus and Organic Farming Fair is concentrated on Sunday, although in many cases the program starts on the Saturday with sports activities, such as the Sierra de los Caballos Half Marathon, included in the Provincial Cycling Circuit. This race, in which categories from cadet to master and recreational cyclists can participate, serves as a sporting prelude to the gastronomic festival.
On Sunday, the The fairgrounds open their doors around 11:00 in the morningThis marks the start of activity at the agri-food market. At midday, the official opening ceremony takes place with the mayor, members of the municipal council, and representatives from the Málaga Provincial Council and other institutions in attendance.
In the middle of the day, around 14:00 PM, the free tasting of flamenco-style asparagus and asparagus paellaThe musical atmosphere continues throughout the afternoon. The program includes concerts such as the one by the group Play Star 80 and 90, which revisits hits from those decades, and DJ sets that keep the party going into the night.
To facilitate the mobility of attendees, a free tourist train This shuttle bus continuously connects the fairgrounds with the town center and the Brotherhood Houses, usually from 11:00 AM to 16:00 PM. This service is especially useful for those who wish to combine a visit to the market with strolls through the town's historic center.
Throughout the day, there are also promotional activities, gastronomic demonstrations, book presentations related to cooking, and tours among the exhibitors, in which authorities and organizers learn firsthand about the proposals of the participating companies.
Children's leisure, family and local promotion campaign
One of the keys to the success of the Asparagus Fair is its clear focus on a family audienceThe fairgrounds have a large children's area with bouncy castles, rides and face painting workshops for the little ones, which usually operate during the same opening hours as the market.
Complementing this recreational offering, the Multipurpose room becomes a playroom For children aged 3 to 10, with specialized staff caring for the children. This option allows families to alternate between strolling through the stands and enjoying safe play areas for their children.
The organization is also reinforcing the promotional aspect of the event with a social media campaign based on short videos, featuring residents of Sierra de Yeguas. Through these pieces, the unique character of the municipality is showcased, their daily life linked to the countryside, and their pride in the festival.
Alongside this digital strategy, products have also been designed for merchandising such as t-shirts, mugs and badges These materials help to raise the profile of the fair's brand and the slogan "Come and fry asparagus." They are particularly appealing to visitors who want a souvenir of their time in the town.
The Malaga Provincial Council repeatedly emphasizes the importance of these gastronomic events for boost inland tourismto boost the local economy and recognize the work of farmers, producers, and hospitality businesses. In this sense, the fair serves as a showcase and also as an engine for retaining population and generating opportunities in rural areas.
Active tourism and routes through the Sierra de los Caballos
Beyond the asparagus tasting and the organic market, Sierra de Yeguas takes advantage of the fair to showcase its active and nature tourism offerThe municipality has a marked circular route, known as Circular Route #SDY, which links the town center, the village of Navahermosa and the Sierra de los Caballos.
This itinerary, integrated into the Stage 18 of the Great Malaga PathThe route is approximately 7 or 8 kilometers long, with a path designed for virtually all types of walkers, including families with children. Along the way, you can enjoy landscapes that open up towards the provinces of Seville and Malaga, with outstanding views from the area around Cerro de la Cruz.
The route features two easily accessible parking areasOne starting point is in Navahermosa, at the El Acebuchal recreational and motorhome area, and the other is in the town of Sierra de Yeguas itself, on streets near the start of the route. The route connects points of interest such as the fairgrounds, Plaza de las Américas, the Monument to the Mare, Plaza de la Libertad, the Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception, Plaza de AndalucÃa, Mataró Park, a section of the Great Path (Gran Senda), and the Church of San Isidro.
The combination of a food fair and outdoor routes makes for a weekend of fun. opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural environment from Sierra de Yeguas in a peaceful manner. Visitors who come for the asparagus often take the opportunity to discover viewpoints, paths and recreational areas that, the rest of the year, maintain their appeal for hiking or cycling tourism.
The City Council has also announced the installation of distinctive elements in the landscape, such as a giant bench in the Navahermosa areadesigned to enhance the photogenic character of the route and attract an audience seeking rural experiences with a playful and accessible aspect.
Institutional recognition and projection of the fair
The Asparagus and Organic Farming Fair enjoys broad institutional support. The Málaga Provincial Council's Department of Municipal Affairs has emphasized the role of these events in... balancing opportunities between inland municipalities and coastal areas, supporting the promotion of unique festivals that highlight local heritage, culture and gastronomy.
In recent editions, the fair has incorporated the figure of a ambassador of the eventSuch as the Malaga-born model Elisabeth Reyes, who has toured the fairgrounds, met the producers, and participated in the official events. She acts as a spokesperson for the event, helping to project the image of Sierra de Yeguas beyond the region.
During the inauguration, regional and provincial representatives highlighted the importance of raising awareness of the asparagus value chainFrom field to table: producers, processing companies, retailers, hospitality businesses, and end consumers. This economic network generates employment and wealth, reinforcing the idea that local products are a key element in sustainable rural development.
The mayor of Sierra de Yeguas usually takes advantage of this day to thank associations, brotherhoods and companies for their collaboration, and to emphasize the commitment to continue building a stable tourism and agri-food project focusing on asparagus and organic farming. The participation of thousands of visitors and the growing interest in the fair validate this strategy.
With all these elements—organic market, public tastings, music, children's activities, hiking trails, and institutional support—the Sierra de Yeguas Asparagus and Organic Farming Fair has been establishing itself as a an essential event on the gastronomic and rural calendar From Malaga, a meeting point between countryside and city where asparagus acts as an emblem of a development model linked to the territory.