In the heart of León’s central mountain range, the small municipality of Vegacervera hosts one of the province’s most anticipated food-and-culture events each year: the Goat Fair. It’s a weekend that blends tradition, nature and great local cuisine, drawing hundreds of visitors looking for something different.
A little history
The Goat Fair has its roots in the old livestock markets once held in the area, where neighbours met to trade and sell animals, mainly goats and sheep. Over time, the fair evolved into a major popular celebration in which the star attractions are traditional stewed goat and the famous goat cecina—an intensely flavoured, much-loved staple of Leonese gastronomy.
Today, the fair is far more than a market: it’s a tribute to mountain cuisine and rural life, where goat rearing remains a cornerstone of the local economy.
When it’s held
The Goat Fair takes place on the second weekend of November, coinciding with the end of the grazing season. This moment marks the onset of winter in the Leonese mountains, and the fair becomes the perfect opportunity to enjoy a warm, festive atmosphere despite the cold.
What you’ll find at the fair
- Stewed goat dishes: slow-cooked using traditional recipes, served with potatoes, rustic bread and a good Leonese wine.
- Goat cecina: a cured delicacy with a unique flavour—ideal for tasting on site or taking home as a foodie souvenir.
- Artisan and agri-food market: local cheeses, cured meats, honey, pastries and crafts.
- Music and folklore: bagpipe groups, traditional dances and live performances in the village square.
- Activities for all ages: livestock exhibitions, contests, guided walks and children’s games.
Stewed goat and goat cecina: the fair’s headliners
The goat served in Vegacervera is a hearty dish, simmered for hours with garlic, peppers and bay leaves. Its deep flavour and tender texture make it a standout mountain recipe.
Goat cecina, for its part, is a typical product of the Leonese mountains that combines tradition with artisanal curing techniques. Its smoky notes and firm bite make it perfect with bread and wine, and it’s highly sought after by visitors eager to take a slice of the fair home.
What to do in Vegacervera besides the fair
The village is also known for the spectacular Hoces de Vegacervera, a more-than-6-km gorge of vertical limestone walls within the Los Argüellos Biosphere Reserve. It’s an ideal setting for hiking and enjoying nature before or after the fair.
A few kilometres away you can visit Valporquero Cave, one of Spain’s most impressive cave systems, open to the public for much of the year.
Tips for your visit
- Arrive early: the fair draws many visitors and parking fills up quickly.
- Dress warm: November in the Leonese mountains is cold; bring sturdy footwear and thermal layers.
- Book accommodation in advance: Vegacervera has rural options, but its proximity to León city means many visitors choose to stay there.
Your base in León for the Goat Fair
If you want to enjoy the Goat Fair, taste authentic goat cecina and also get to know the city of León, León Apartamentos offers central, modern accommodation—perfect for resting after your mountain excursion. From the city, you’ll reach Vegacervera in under an hour by car, combining a foodie experience with a visit to one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.
