Almond Fair of Parcent

When the almond trees blossom in the interior of the Marina Alta, Parcent celebrates. On 1 February 2026, this small and charming municipality in the Jalón Valley holds the Almond Fair (Fira de l’Ametla), a day dedicated to the fruit that has defined the landscape and economy of these lands for centuries. In the height of blossom season — when the almond trees wash the valley in white and pink — the fair brings together producers, craftspeople, curious visitors and lovers of folk culture to celebrate the most emblematic tree of the Valencian dryland interior.

The almond: symbol of the Valencian interior

The almond tree is the tree that best represents the landscape of the Marina Alta interior. Its flowers, which appear in January and February before any other, transform the valleys and hillsides into a spectacle of unique winter beauty. When the Moors, Romans and Arabs passed through these lands, the almond tree was already here. Today it remains a fundamental crop, though cultivation has evolved and modernised.

The almond from the Marina Alta has its own characteristics derived from the soil and microclimate of the area: particular flavour notes, a fine shell and a culinary versatility that goes well beyond Christmas nougat. The Almond Fair of Parcent is the place to discover all of this first-hand.

Fair programme

Almond market and derived products

The market is the heart of the fair. Local producers present their almond varieties — marcona, largueta, common — and their derivatives: almond oil, almond milk, artisan nougat, marzipan, pastries and a great variety of sweet and savoury preparations. Visitors can compare, taste and buy directly from the producer.

Tastings and live cooking demonstrations

Local and regional chefs demonstrate the culinary possibilities of the almond in live shows. From the most classic ajoblanco to contemporary fusion recipes incorporating almond into savoury dishes, soups, sauces and innovative desserts.

Almond recipe competition

One of the most animated moments of the fair is the recipe competition: individuals and amateur cooks compete with their almond-based creations. A popular and professional jury evaluates the dishes in an atmosphere of celebration and good humour.

Almond blossom hiking routes

Taking advantage of the blossom season, the fair organises walking and cycling routes through the area around Parcent to admire the almond trees in flower. Local guides accompany the groups and explain the history of the crop, the varieties and traditional production techniques. It is without doubt one of the most photogenic activities of the year in the comarca.

Related craft exhibitions

Craftspeople working with almond wood, esparto baskets, ceramics with almond blossom motifs — the fair also hosts craftwork related to the world of almonds and Valencian rural culture.

Parcent: a village in the Jalón Valley

Parcent is one of the most picturesque municipalities in the Jalón Valley, known precisely for its landscape of almond trees. With barely 900 inhabitants, the village has preserved its historic architecture and natural surroundings admirably. Its cobbled streets, baroque church and views over the valley make Parcent a destination in its own right, independent of the fair.

The Jalón Valley — also known as Vall del Pop in this area — is one of the most authentic and least crowded territories of the Marina Alta. A trip through the valley during blossom season, with Parcent as a starting point, is one of the most rewarding winter experiences on the Costa Blanca.

Winter gastronomy in the Marina Alta

The Almond Fair coincides with the citrus season, when oranges are also at their finest. Restaurants and bars in Parcent and neighbouring municipalities offer seasonal menus at this time of year that combine both products. The winter gastronomy of the Marina Alta is a revelation for those who discover it: soups, stews, inland rice dishes and artisan desserts.

Getting to Parcent

Parcent is located in the interior of the Marina Alta, in the Jalón Valley:

• From Dénia: 30 minutes
• From Calpe: 25 minutes
• From Benidorm: 35 minutes
• From Alicante: 60 minutes

Private transport is recommended, though bus services connect the valley with Dénia and Benidorm.

Practical information

• Date: 1 February 2026
• Venue: Parcent (main square and streets of the historic centre)
• Entry: Free
• Best time for blossom: January–February
• Suitable for: All ages