Truffle fair in Abejar: when to go and what to try

The annual black truffle fair in the Spanish town of Abejar draws thousands of visitors. It takes place in February, when the mushroom develops its best aroma. If you are planning a trip to Castile and León, the fair offers a rare chance to try Europe's most expensive mushroom right where it is harvested.

The 24th Feria de la Trufa de Soria was held on February 14 and 15, 2026 (according to the fair organizers, 09/2026). The next one is expected in February 2027. The organizers announce the exact dates in advance.

Visitors watch a chef competition, a truffle auction, and a mushroom-hunting contest with dogs. Below is a breakdown of what happens in Abejar and how to plan your trip.

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What happens in Abejar

💡 In short:

• Feria de la Trufa de Soria takes place every year in February in the town of Abejar.
• The program includes a chef competition, a fresh truffle auction, and mushroom hunting with dogs.
• Dates and program: verified on 09/15/2026 on the fair's official website.

Abejar is located in the province of Soria, 28 km from its capital (according to Wikipedia, 09/2026). The town has a population of about 290 people. It sits at an elevation of 1,138 meters, and the pine forests of Urbión begin right behind it.

The easiest way to get here is by car from Soria. The drive takes about half an hour. On fair days, finding a free parking spot near the center is difficult, so arrive by opening time.

Why the fair is held in Soria

Soria is one of the main truffle regions in Spain. According to the Soria truffle guide, the province accounts for roughly 30% of Spain's black truffle production. The easiest place to see the result is at the fair in Abejar.

© Ayuntamiento de Soria · CC BYPhoto: Ayuntamiento de Soria, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The region's potential exceeds its current plantations. Over 43% of Soria's territory, more than 114,000 hectares, is suitable for truffle farming, and local farms are far from using this reserve (as of the same reference guide, 09/2026). The world's largest truffle farm also operates here, covering over 600 hectares.

Local truffle farmers have registered the "Trufa de Soria" brand and are seeking protected designation status. Winter cold and day-night temperature swings help the fungus ripen.

What black truffle is

Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) grows underground, in symbiosis with the roots of oaks and hazelnut trees. Around the host tree it suppresses grass, so a bare patch appears on the soil. Collectors find the fungus by this patch and by smell.

Fresh truffle costs from 800 to 1,600 € per kilogram in season (as of the Tuber melanosporum reference guide, 09/2026). Small portions are sold by the gram.

The harvest season runs from December to March, with the peak in January (as of the same encyclopedia, 09/2026). Dogs help find truffles, most often small terriers. If you take a truffle home, keep it in the refrigerator for no more than 1-2 weeks.

Program and competitions

The fair hosts a truffle cooking competition. Chefs prepare dishes with black truffle, and a jury picks the best ones (as of the official program, 09/2026). You can try the competition dishes and watch cooking shows.

The second popular program block is dedicated to truffle hunting with dogs. Collectors go into the field with trained dogs and search for the fungus against the clock. The fair has been held since 2003 (as of the fair's official history, 09/2026).

In 2026, the fair held a fresh truffle auction for the first time (as of the fair's press office, 09/2026). Truffle season in the province does not end with the fair:

During these weeks, bars and restaurants in Soria serve tapas and seasonal truffle menus (as of the Soria events overview, 09/2026). At the fair, local wines are offered alongside the dishes.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When does the truffle fair in Abejar take place?

Usually in mid-February, on the weekend. Exact dates are published in advance on the fair's page.

Where is Abejar?

Abejar is located in the province of Soria, in the community of Castile and Leon. How to get there and where to park is described in the "What happens in Abejar" section.

What can you do at the fair besides tastings?

Watch the chef competition and the truffle hunting competition with dogs. At the latest fair, a fresh truffle auction was added. Between program blocks, guests sample dishes and wines and buy mushrooms directly from farmers.

How much does black truffle cost?

The price range per kilogram is given in the "What black truffle is" section (as of 09/2026, source). The spread is explained by the harvest and weather of a given year.

Is it worth going to Soria just for the fair?

Yes, if you are interested in gastronomy. In February, Mercatrufas and La Ruta Dorada de la trufa with tasting menus also take place here. You can combine the fair with a trip around the province, where the world's largest truffle farm operates.

In short: what to book

The truffle fair in Abejar takes place once a year, in February, and lasts two days. If you want to attend the tastings and competitions, plan your trip in advance: on that weekend the small town fills up with visitors.

To avoid searching for accommodation at the last minute, check your options in advance: hotels in Soria on Trip.com. In February, prices in central Soria are higher and fewer rooms are available. If you only have one day, choose Saturday: that is when the main program takes place.