In the heart of the Curueño Valley, in the central mountains of León, lies La Vecilla, a small village that every March becomes the world capital of the León rooster feather. The Feather Fair is a must-visit event for anglers, breeders, artisans, nature lovers and curious visitors who want to discover a unique tradition found nowhere else on the planet.
A centuries-old tradition
Breeding the León rooster dates back to the 17th century and is closely linked to trout fishing, an activity that is part of the province’s DNA. The feathers of these roosters, raised along the banks of the Curueño and Torío rivers, have exceptional qualities for tying artificial flies: strength, sheen, elasticity and a natural ability to repel water.
For generations, breeders have refined the characteristics of these birds through careful selection, passing their knowledge down from parents to children. Today, the León rooster is regarded as a living treasure and its feather is the most highly valued in the world for fly fishing.
Why the Curueño Valley
The surroundings of La Vecilla bring together the perfect conditions to obtain feathers of exceptional quality:
- Climate and altitude that favour dense, resistant plumage.
- Pure waters that keep the birds healthy and improve fibre quality.
- Natural feed and traditional handling, which give the feathers their unique shine and texture.
On top of this comes the dedication of local breeders, who have turned this work into a true art.
Types of León rooster feather
The feathers are divided into two main families: pardo and indio, each with subtypes that are highly appreciated by anglers and artisans.
Pardo
- Pardo corzuno – Light mottling, ideal for subtle imitations.
- Pardo flor de escoba – Deep reddish tones, very rare and valuable.
- Pardo avellanado – Warm brown, perfect for clear waters.
- Pardo langareto – Scattered and elegant mottling, very resistant.
- Pardo aconchado – Wavy pattern that imitates living wings on the water.
- Pardo encendido – Dark brown with orange highlights.
Indio
- Indio acerado – Bluish metallic sheen, very resistant.
- Indio plomizo – Matte grey with natural reflections.
- Indio rubión – Golden and coppery hues.
- Indio langareto – Grey version of pardo langareto with metallic reflections.
- Indio acerado aconchado – Marked waves and metallic shine.
Each type of feather has specific uses in fly tying and is chosen according to the insect you want to imitate and the conditions of the river.
The Feather Fair: more than just a market
The fair is held every March, coinciding with the start of the fishing season. For two days, La Vecilla comes to life with:
- Direct sale of feathers by the breeders themselves.
- Live demonstrations of artificial fly tying.
- Competitions and exhibitions about the León rooster and traditional fishing.
- Market of local gastronomic and artisan products such as cecina, cured meats, cheeses, honey, pastries and wine.
- Music, folklore and family activities that turn the streets into a celebration.
What else to see in La Vecilla and nearby
Besides the fair, it is well worth visiting the Rooster Museum, dedicated to the history and tradition of this unique breed. You can also tour the Curueño Valley, with its impressive landscapes, the Nocedo waterfall or the climb up to the Vegarada Pass, perfect for hiking and nature lovers.
Tips for visitors
- Arrive early to make the most of all the activities and find the best feathers.
- Dress warmly: March in the León mountains is cool and windy.
- Combine the fair with local gastronomy and try trout soup or a good plate of cecina.
Stay in León and visit La Vecilla
If you want to experience the Feather Fair in La Vecilla and also discover the city of León, at León Apartamentos we offer you modern, comfortable accommodation right in the city centre. From here you can reach La Vecilla in under 45 minutes and enjoy a getaway that combines tradition, nature and the very best of León’s gastronomy.
