The Rooster Fair, a centuries-old tradition that beats strong in Vilafranca del Penedès

Vilafranca del PenedèsThe Vilafranca del Penedès Rooster Fair During the weekend of December 20th and 21st, a centuries-old tradition will be celebrated, marking its 361st edition and solidifying its position as one of the town's most emblematic and anticipated events. Its essence lies in the promotion and sale of the Penedès rooster. a native bird of great gastronomic and cultural valueThe Fira, which will take place in Sant Julià Park and the exhibition hall, has been a fundamental driving force in the preservation and promotion of this breed, which forms part of the intangible and identity heritage of both Vilafranca and the Alt Penedès region.

This year's edition aims to attract a more family-oriented audience through its scheduled activities and workshops, while remaining committed to connecting with young people and different generations. Over the years, the Fira has incorporated a diverse offering, including a space dedicated to promoting wines from the Penedès DO and a gastronomic tent featuring tastings and dishes made with Penedès rooster. This blend of tradition and innovation keeps the Fira vibrant, engaging, and relevant for a wide range of audiences. Simultaneously, the program of complementary activities, such as cooking workshops and wine tastings, reinforces the festive, cultural, and gastronomic aspects of the event, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

The Rooster Fair It offers the opportunity to sample a selection of dishes made with Penedès rooster (with Protected Geographical Indication) and other free-range poultry. Visitors can taste the poultry dishes prepared by local chefs at the food fair, and can also purchase them at the gourmet shop to take home.

In addition, visitors can sample a wide selection of white, red, rosé and sparkling wines. from the Penedès DO, both inside the gastronomic exhibition, located in the Gastronomy Square, as well as in the Celler Penedès, located in the Wine Square, and in the gastroshop.

The proclamation, a choral narrative

After the success of the Preview in the Neighborhoods, a series of activities held from November 24 to December 5 in each of the city's eight neighborhoods, with the cooperation and collaboration of the various neighborhood associations, this year's opening speech opts for a completely different format with the aim of emphasizing the proximity of an event that.

The event will begin this Wednesday, December 17th, at 6:45 p.m. in Jaume I Square with a solemn dance by Tomasot and Ballarica, the two emblematic figures and protagonists of the Rooster Fair, who are part of Vilafranca's festive bestiary, accompanied by the Municipal School of Music Band. This moment will serve as a prelude and connection to the narrative part of the opening address, which will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Vinseum Auditorium in Vilafranca del Penedès.

The aim is to explain, through two iconic figures from the bestiary who are central to the Fira, a unique way of understanding the festival, its cultural transmission, and the sense of community. The opening address, which will feature sculptor Dolors Sans, former and current dancers, costume designer Maria Rosa Casulleras, musician and composer Paton Felices, choreographer Neus Fransi, and actress Clara Cols, will combine interviews, audiovisual presentations, and music to highlight its key themes.

The opening of the 361st Vilafranca del Penedès Rooster Fair will take place this Saturday, December 20th, at 8 a.m. The procession of authorities will depart from the Plaça de la Vila, preceded by the figures of the Vilafranca festive bestiary: Gall Tomasot and Gallina Ballarica, accompanied by grallers (traditional musicians) to the fairgrounds.

The henhouse, a meeting place

With the motto "It's not just a casual get-together, it's the afternoon of the Rooster Fair."The Galliner returns this Saturday, December 20th, aiming to solidify its position as one of the freshest, most dynamic, and most appealing offerings at the Fira del Gallo (Rooster Fair). The initiative, launched last year to revitalize Saturday evening at the fair, was a resounding success: a combination of comedy, music, and wine from the Penedès DO (Designation of Origin).

This year's edition maintains the essence of the original format and reinforces it with a comedy program featuring female comedians, celebrating female talent in the Catalan comedy scene. A comedy show is scheduled, with two thirty-minute performances by Oye Sherman and Alba Segarra, inside the Mostra Gastronòmica tent. Following this, the afternoon will continue with a music session by renowned DJ John Jacobsen at Celler Penedès.

This agile and participatory format reaffirms the Galliner as a space for meeting, creativity and fun at the Rooster Fair, where humor and music come together to celebrate cultural vitality.

A sample for the little ones

This Sunday, December 21st, in the Gastronomy Square, the bestiary will be set up and will participate in the parade at 10 am, followed by the activity "Bring me my pacifier!" At 11:00 AM, Gallina Ballarica will collect the children's pacifiers and give them a sweet souvenir. At 12:00 PM, the parade will begin, with Gallo Tomasot, Gallina Ballarica, the Eagle of the Sant Julià neighborhood, and Aligueta Tramuntana as hosts for the invited feathered creatures. The day will culminate with a spectacular dance at 2:00 PM in Plaça de la Vila, after a procession through the town's streets and squares.