Estepona will celebrate the eleventh edition of the Certamen Mundial del Jamón ‘Popi, Ciudad de Estepona’ from Friday 7 to Sunday 16 August 2026, bringing ten evenings of Spanish gastronomy and free live entertainment to the town’s seafront promenade.
The festival will open daily from 7 pm until 2 am, transforming the Paseo Marítimo into a large open-air celebration of jamón ibérico and other traditional Spanish products. Visitors will be able to watch professional ham carvers at work, sample freshly sliced ham and enjoy the lively summer atmosphere beside the sea.
Recognised as an Event of Tourist Interest in Andalusia, the Certamen Mundial del Jamón has become one of Estepona’s biggest summer attractions and an important showcase for ham producers, professional carvers and the wider Spanish food industry.
The official promotional material for the 2026 event advertises freshly carved plates of ham for €5, while the Jamón Music Festival will provide a free concert every evening at 11.30 pm.
Jamón Music Festival programme
Friday 7 August
The festival begins with a performance by Bordón 4 at 11.30 pm.
Saturday 8 August
Justito a Tiempo will take to the stage at 11.30 pm.
Sunday 9 August
Singer-songwriter Nolasco will perform from 11.30 pm, bringing his distinctive blend of flamenco, pop and Andalusian music to the seafront.
Monday 10 August
The programme continues with Henry Mendez, known for his upbeat Latin and dance music, at 11.30 pm.
Tuesday 11 August
Spanish rock group La Frontera will perform at 11.30 pm.
Wednesday 12 August
Gibraltar rock band Melon Diesel will take to the stage at 11.30 pm.
Thursday 13 August
The evening’s entertainment will be provided by Piratas Flamencos, beginning at 11.30 pm.
Friday 14 August
Spanish rock legends Burning will headline the evening from 11.30 pm.
Saturday 15 August
Dani Marquez and Long Play will perform at 11.30 pm.
Sunday 16 August
The festival will close with a concert by Malamanera at 11.30 pm.
A celebration of Spanish gastronomy
Although ham is naturally the star of the event, previous editions have also featured other food products including cured meats, artisan cheeses and bread, accompanied by Málaga wines and locally produced beers.
One of the main attractions is the opportunity to see professional ham carvers preparing each plate by hand. Their skill is an essential part of the experience, with visitors able to observe the precision required to produce the thin, carefully arranged slices associated with high-quality Spanish ham.
The festival was created to promote the ham and cured-meat sector while also supporting other food producers and showcasing one of Spain’s most recognisable culinary traditions.
Food and music beside the sea
The combination of gastronomy, evening concerts and a seafront setting has helped make the Certamen Mundial del Jamón one of the most popular events in Estepona’s summer calendar.
Visitors can arrive from 7 pm to explore the stands, enjoy dinner or share a plate of freshly carved ham before the nightly concert begins at 11.30 pm. With ten different performers covering flamenco, pop, Latin music and Spanish rock, the entertainment programme offers something different every evening.
All of the Jamón Music Festival concerts are free, making the event an accessible summer night out for residents, holidaymakers and families visiting the western Costa del Sol.
Event information
The XI Certamen Mundial del Jamón ‘Popi, Ciudad de Estepona’ will take place from 7 to 16 August 2026 on the Paseo Marítimo in Estepona.
The gastronomic area will be open every evening from 7 pm until 2 am, with the free concerts beginning at 11.30 pm.
The programme is subject to possible changes, so visitors travelling specifically to see one of the performers are advised to confirm the latest information through Estepona’s official tourism agenda.
