65 exhibitors will offer the country’s finest Iberian ham products at the 11th edition of the “Popi” World Ham Competition in Estepona

This major culinary event, which will take place August 7–16 on the Paseo Marítimo, will feature free concerts every night by artists such as Melón Diesel, Nolasco, La Frontera, and Henry Méndez

Provincial Representative and Estepona City Councilmember Salomé Hidalgo, along with ham carver and event organizer, José María Téllez ‘Popi’, today presented the 11th edition of the “Popi” City of Estepona World Ham Contest, one of the major gastronomic events of the Andalusian summer, which will take place from August 7 to 16 on the Paseo Marítimo.

Salomé Hidalgo explained that this event, organized by the City Council, the Provincial Council of Málaga, and “Popi Jamones,” “is a great showcase to highlight the quality and diversity of our province’s products.” The contest, designated an Event of Tourist Interest in Andalusia for 2023, attracts more than 500,000 people each year, establishing itself as one of the major culinary and tourist events of the summer on the Costa del Sol.

For ten days, producers, companies, ham-carving professionals, and visitors from different parts of the province and beyond will gather for an event that combines gastronomy, agri-food promotion, and live music.

This large open-air gastronomic event will take place along more than one kilometer of Estepona’s Paseo Marítimo, featuring 65 exhibitors, allowing visitors to explore the various culinary, shopping, and leisure offerings.

Attendees will thus be able to enjoy a wide range of culinary offerings, with dishes and drinks available at an affordable price of five euros. Among the offerings will be freshly sliced ham, pork products, cheeses, artisanal breads, wines, and other high-quality food products.

In addition, about ten producers affiliated with the “Sabor a Málaga” brand will offer a representative sample of the province’s rich and diverse culinary heritage, featuring products such as chestnut-fed ham, goat cheeses, cured meats, artisanal breads, and wines from Málaga, among others. The presence of these companies will allow the public to discover unique, high-quality products made in the province and will foster direct contact between producers and consumers.

In this regard, Salomé Hidalgo emphasized that “Sabor a Málaga’s participation in this event helps support our businesses, boost the marketing of their products, and highlight the work carried out by the province’s producers.”

The deputy added that “the high attendance the event draws each year demonstrates its ability to attract visitors and generate economic activity, while turning Estepona and the province of Málaga into a major showcase for our products, our cuisine, and our traditions.”

“The festival will also offer a close-up look at the work and skill of master cutters, a profession that is an essential part of the gastronomic culture associated with ham,” she added. The event will also help boost commercial, hospitality, and tourism activity in the municipality during the summer season.

Ham Festival Music

The 11th edition of the Popi City of Estepona World Ham Competition, which will once again be sponsored by Canal Sur presenter and host of the program “La tarde, aquí y ahora,’ Eva Ruiz, will also offer a leisure program open to all audiences, featuring free musical performances under the Jamón Festival Music banner. This program will consist of a total of 10 concerts, one each night.

The councilwoman added that “the combination of gastronomy, music, and entertainment makes the Popi World Ham Contest an attractive event for residents and visitors alike, while helping to boost the tourism profile of Estepona and the province of Málaga.”

Music Schedule

Friday, August 7: Bordón 4.

Saturday, August 8: Justito a Tiempo.

Sunday, August 9: Nolasco.

Monday, August 10: Henry Méndez.

Tuesday, August 11: La Frontera.

Wednesday, August 12: Melón Diesel.

Thursday, the 13th: Piratas Flamencos.

Friday, the 14th: Burning.

Saturday, the 15th: Dani Márquez and Long Play.

Sunday, the 16th: Malamanera.