12th Marca Parcs Naturals Products Showcase at Mercado de Colón

On Saturday 3 October, from 10:00 to 21:00, the Mercado de Colón swaps its cafés and horchaterías for a day to showcase products from Valencia's natural parks. It's the XII Mostra de Productes de la Marca Parcs Naturals, and entry is free.

The event brings together businesses from 14 natural parks across the Comunitat Valenciana, offering wines, honey, cheese, oils, cured meats, traditional sweets, rice and other local products, plus crafts. It's a great chance to buy directly from producers linked to these protected spaces and discover where many of the ingredients come from that end up in the gastronomy and traditions of their towns. The Marca Parcs Naturals currently accredits 131 companies across different sectors tied to these territories.

More than a food fair

The day goes beyond gastronomy: there's also space for nature tourism, with information on outdoor activities, active tourism and accommodation in the parks, aimed at those looking for ideas for getaways within the Comunitat Valenciana. For younger visitors there's a children's area with environmental education workshops focused on ecosystems and biodiversity.

The setting is special: the modernist market of iron and ceramic on Jorge Juan street remains one of the most striking buildings in the centre, with an atmosphere that blends the historic and the everyday. If after exploring the event you fancy continuing the culinary theme, it's worth checking the guide to Valencia's markets or the one on what to eat in Valencia, and to catch any similar events coming up, take a look at the markets agenda.