Fair Launches Friday Evening with Expanded Hours

La Seu d’Urgell hosts the 2026 edition of the Fira de Sant Ermengol from Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October. The fair officially opens on Saturday 17 October with an inauguration ceremony led by Alícia Romero, Minister for Economy and Finance of the Generalitat de Catalunya.

The event runs from 18:00 to 21:30 on Friday, 10:00 to 21:30 on Saturday, and 10:00 to 21:00 on Sunday. This year, closing times on Friday and Saturday have been extended by 30 minutes to accommodate visitor demand, according to the official programme.

355 Stalls and 10 Themed Fairs

The fair features 10 sector-specific markets: the Fira de Formatges Artesans del Pirineu, Fira KM0, Fira Alimentària, Fira Ambulant, Fira Artesana, Fira Food Trucks, Fira Cultura, Fira Xica, Fira Show, and AutoFira. A total of 355 stalls will be set up across the city centre.

Due to ongoing construction on Carrer Regència d’Urgell, the commercial area has been extended to Avinguda Pau Claris and Passeig Pasqual Ingla. The AutoFira will display classic vehicles in this expanded zone.

32nd Artisan Cheese Fair Highlights Regional Produce

The Fira de Formatges Artesans del Pirineu, held along Passeig Joan Brudieu, brings together 48 artisan dairies: 33 from Catalonia, 9 from the Basque Country, 3 from France, and 3 from Aragon. The guest dairy this year is Mas Alba, based in Terradelles in the Pla de l’Estany.

The Cheese Competition takes place on Saturday morning, with awards presented from 13:45 at the Passeig Joan Brudieu stage. The 'Amic del Formatge' award will go to Pomes Biolord, a mountain apple cooperative recognised for its sustainability and commitment to local economy.

The Youth Cheese Competition follows at 17:00 on Saturday. Meanwhile, nine guided cheese tastings will be held throughout the weekend.

Cultural and Family Activities Across the City

Cinemes Guiu screens the film La família Bélier on Thursday 16 October. On Saturday, a guided tour titled 'El formatge que ens uneix' begins at 11:00 at Espai Ermengol, followed by the book presentation of Xerigots. Formatges at 17:30.

Free musical performances include:

  • Friday 16 October, 20:00: Concert by 'Las Migas' at Plaça dels Oms
  • Saturday 17 October: Swing Engine Street Sextet (11:00), Escola Municipal de Música and Conservatori dels Pirineus (12:30), 'The Gramophone Allstars Big Band' (20:00), and DJ 'Gira105' (23:00)
  • Sunday 18 October: Escola Folk del Pirineu (12:00), choral meeting at Sala Sant Domènec (12:00), and performance by youth group 'Not Quite My Tempo' (17:00)

Photographic exhibitions include 'Transhumància: una mirada necessària' by Oriol Clavera at Passeig Joan Brudieu and 'Les menjadores d’Estamariu' at Biblioteca Sant Agustí.

Family-Friendly Attractions and Social Initiatives

The Fira Xica offers six activities for children and families, including the theatrical experience 'Un dia a Pagès', board games area, parades, drumming workshops, a creative sand workshop, and the 'Mini Lleteres' craft session.

The Seu Tourism Stand will focus on the UNESCO World Heritage bid linking Foix, Andorra, and La Seu d’Urgell, with cultural animator Ivan Caro leading activities and prize draws for monument visits.

On Saturday morning, the mobile Punt Lila (Purple Point) will be stationed in front of Sala Sant Domènec. This outreach caravan, run by the Department of Equality and Feminism of the Generalitat de Catalunya, provides information and support on gender-based violence.

"This fair is one of the major economic, cultural, and gastronomic showcases of our region and a clear demonstration that La Seu is the cheese capital," said Gemma Tó, councillor for Fairs and Markets at La Seu d’Urgell City Council.

Tó added that this year’s edition strengthens the offer with over 30 proposals, expanded spaces, and extended hours to better meet public and exhibitor needs.

Reported by viurealspirineus.cat, firasantermengol.cat, Viure als Pirineus.