International Allipebre Contest of Catarroja 2026

The LIV International Allipebre Contest of Catarroja takes place on Saturday 26 September 2026 at 11:00 at the Port of Catarroja (46470). It is a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Autonómico (festival of autonomous tourist interest) and the oldest gastronomic contest in the Comunitat Valenciana dedicated to this typical Albufera dish: allipebre d'anguila cooked in the classic iron perol.

What time is the contest and where is it held?

The official Festes Majors programme lists the LIV contest at 11:00 at the Port of Catarroja. Contestants collect ingredients from 11:00; anyone who has not done so by 12:15 is disqualified. Cooked dishes are presented from 12:30 to 14:00. An open tent will be available for participants and visitors.

Is there a public allipebre tasting?

Yes: about 2,000 portions of this typical Albufera stew will be cooked for anyone who wants to try it. Turisme Comunitat Valenciana recommends bringing a plate or food container; local press also asks you to come with a plate or lunchbox. The contest prizes (600 / 400 / 200 €) are for winners only.

How do I register for the contest?

Contestant registrations open on Monday 21 September, from 09:00 to 13:00, at the Sala d'Exposicions Palau de Vivanco (ground floor of the Ajuntament de Catarroja), until 150 places are filled. Entrants must be 18 or over and show ID.

What is allipebre and what else to see nearby?

Allipebre d'anguila is the traditional eel stew of l'Albufera. To combine the day with landscape and more food plans, see l'Albufera, the Albufera sunset festival, the gastronomy agenda or the September agenda.