Ronda

World Ham Championship Ronda 2026: What It Is, Where It Takes Place and How to Turn It into the Perfect Food Getaway

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Visitors enjoying the World Ham Championship in Ronda with Iberian ham tastings and local gastronomy

In September 2026, Ronda becomes the world capital of Iberian ham. The city hosts the first-ever World Ham Championship, a unique gastronomic event bringing together the four most prestigious Iberian ham-producing regions in Spain to crown the world’s finest ham.

If you’re passionate about Iberian ham, Spanish gastronomy or simply looking for something different during the Pedro Romero Fair, this event offers a unique opportunity to discover Ronda from a new perspective—through its food, traditions and authentic flavours.

And if you’re staying for a few days, complete your foodie getaway with an experience that perfectly reflects the region’s character and wines: a visit to Doña Felisa Winery.

What Is the World Ham Championship?

The World Ham Championship was created to celebrate Iberian ham, its renowned production regions and the rich culture surrounding one of Spain’s most iconic gastronomic products.

The inaugural edition takes place in Ronda and brings together eight finalist producers representing Spain’s four most prestigious Protected Designations of Origin: Guijuelo, Jabugo, Extremadura and Los Pedroches.

The producers competing for the title of “World’s Best Ham” are:

  • Guijuelo: Chacinerías Díaz and Aljomar
  • Jabugo: Consorcio de Jabugo and Micsa (Hnos. Velázquez)
  • Extremadura: Señorío de Montanera and Montesano
  • Los Pedroches: Ibedul and Sierra Morena

When and Where Does It Take Place?

Dates

  • Friday, 4 September: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Saturday, 5 September: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Sunday, 6 September: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Venue

Santo Domingo Convent – Ronda Conference Centre
Calle Armiñán 1, Ronda, Málaga

Built in the 16th century under the orders of the Catholic Monarchs, the convent now serves as Ronda’s Conference Centre and is one of the city’s most important historic and cultural landmarks.

What Can You Do at the World Ham Championship?

Tastings and Sampling Sessions

The event is open to the public, allowing visitors to enjoy guided tasting sessions and tasting experiences.

Guests can meet different producers, sample Iberian hams from Spain’s four leading production regions and vote for their favourite.

Admission Price

Admission costs €15 per person.

Your ticket includes:

  • Iberian ham tasting
  • Water
  • Traditional breadsticks
  • Spanish olives
  • Ham-flavoured potato crisps by Frit Ravich
  • Iberian ham nougat by Vicens
  • Ham broth by Gallina Blanca
  • Cheese with ham by TGT
  • A book about Iberian ham by Enrique Tomás

Live Entertainment and Event Atmosphere

Throughout the three-day event, visitors can enjoy live music, a VIP photo area and a drinks bar, creating a lively atmosphere in the heart of Ronda.

On Saturday, 5 September at 8:30 pm, the “Ham Lovers” Gold Medal Awards will be presented during a ceremony held before the prestigious Goyesca Gala Dinner.

Award Recipients

These awards recognise national and international personalities for their appreciation and promotion of Iberian ham.

Among this year’s recipients are:

  • National personalities: Fran Rivera, Tana Rivera, El Turronero, Joan Manuel Serrat and the Mayor of Ronda
  • International personalities: Brad Pitt, Georgina Rodríguez, Antonio Banderas, David Bisbal and Elsa Pataky

Turn It into the Perfect Food Getaway

The World Ham Championship takes place during the busiest days of the Pedro Romero Fair, making this one of the most vibrant weekends of the year in Ronda.

What Else Can You Do in Ronda?

  • Pedro Romero Fair: parades, concerts, bullfighting events and the famous Goyesca Bullfight.
  • Historic centre: explore Puente Nuevo, spectacular viewpoints and charming cobbled streets.
  • Local gastronomy: discover traditional restaurants, tapas bars and artisan products from the Serranía.
  • Visit Doña Felisa Winery: the ideal way to discover the wines of the Serranía de Ronda and complete your gastronomic experience.

A Complete Getaway: Iberian Ham, Wine and the Serranía

Book your wine tasting experience at Doña Felisa Winery in Ronda

If you’re travelling to Ronda for the World Ham Championship, it’s well worth setting aside a few hours to discover the wines of the Serranía de Ronda.

Just a few minutes from the city centre, Doña Felisa Winery offers guided winery tours, paired wine tastings and immersive wine tourism experiences, allowing visitors to discover how the landscapes surrounding Ronda produce wines with a truly distinctive character.

After enjoying exceptional Iberian ham at Santo Domingo Convent, continue your culinary journey with a glass of local wine among the vineyards and experience the beauty of the Serranía from a completely different perspective.

A perfect combination of authentic produce, local heritage and unforgettable experiences in one remarkable trip.

We recommend booking both your event ticket and winery visit in advance, especially during the Pedro Romero Fair, one of the busiest tourist periods of the year in Ronda.

The World Ham Championship in Ronda is far more than a competition—it’s a celebration of Iberian ham, local traditions and Spanish gastronomy that makes the city an unmissable destination for food lovers.