Spring in Madrid smells like the sea. From April 15 to May 3, the Alcobendas Fairgrounds once again transforms into a small Galician estuary with the 29th Xuntanza Seafood Fair, one of those events that has earned, year after year, a permanent spot on the calendar of food lovers: Galician seafood, traditional performances, and completely free admission for over two weeks.
Organized by the Xuntanza de Galegos en Alcobendas association together with Degustación DEMAR, the fair features eight specialized stands serving spider crabs, mussels, clams, crab, and other Atlantic products, always kept in optimal conditions to guarantee freshness. There are fried dishes, grilled items, boiled seafood, rice dishes, artisanal breads, and an extensive drink menu, in a format designed for both a leisurely meal and for enjoying small plates with friends or family.
Much more than just Galician cuisine
Beyond the food, the event is rounded out with a distinctly Galician culturalprogram: performances by the Xuntanza Folk Group, the 22nd Gathering of Galician Bagpipes and Traditional Dances on April 25 and 26, and the presence of the Bagpipe Band, which will provide a live soundtrack as visitors move through the grounds. In addition, there will be an art and fishing exhibition featuring paintings, photography, traditional costumes, and a display of nets, tools, and a traditional boat evoking the estuaries, along with a children’s area with a bouncy castle so the little ones can have their own space too.
The fair is open from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM, with later closing times on weekends, until midnight or 1:00 AM, at the Alcobendas Fairgrounds (Avenida de Valdelaparra). After previous editions that have drawn thousands of visitors, the organizers aim to establish this event as one of the major food fairs on Madrid’s calendar.