The Mercadal Fairgrounds host a new edition open to everyone: this year, tapas have a single affordable price, fishermen are participating for the first time, and emerging chefs are given the spotlight.

The Mercadal Fairgrounds will become the epicentre of Menorca’s local products and gastronomy this weekend with the celebration of Fira Arrels, organised by the Consell Insular de Menorca. The event will take place on September 20 and 21, outdoors, and will feature activities for all ages, with a special focus on families.

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Fira Arrels Takes Place This Weekend

The president of the Consell Insular de Menorca, Adolfo Vilafranca, and the councillor for Economy and General Services of Menorca, Maria Antònia Taltavull, presented all the new features this Tuesday, September 16, in El Toro. Also attending the press conference were the mayor of Mercadal, Joan Palliser, and the fair’s organiser, Carme Barceló.

The main novelty this year is that entry to Fira Arrels is free and open to everyone.

“We want the fair to be accessible and open so that all Menorcans can enjoy and taste tapas made with local products from Menorca. That’s why we set a single popular price of 3 euros, ensuring the experience is affordable for everyone. In addition, this year fishermen are participating directly for the first time, showing the fair’s constant growth. This way, we bring together all the richness of Menorcan products, from sea to land,” said Adolfo Vilafranca.

In total, 42 exhibitors will take part under the motto: “Es sabors de Menorca” (“The flavours of Menorca”).

“With this phrase we want to highlight the union between our gastronomy and Menorcan products that define us so much. This year marks the eighth edition of Fira Arrels, an essential event in Menorca’s calendar that continues to grow in ambition and capacity to showcase the island’s variety. Following last year’s success, we are once again hosting it in Mercadal,” Vilafranca added.

He also emphasised:

“I want to thank Menorca’s producers, the true protagonists of Arrels. And the chefs, who combine tradition and innovation to keep Menorca’s gastronomy alive. Fira Arrels is also a tribute – a recognition of all those who, day after day, with great effort, keep alive an essential part of our economy and identity.”

Visitors will be able to stroll through the stands to taste and purchase cold cuts, vegetables, cheeses, meat, mushrooms, pastries, beer, oil, honey, and much more. There will also be a dedicated space for Menorca’s wines under the IGP Vi de la Terra Illa de Menorca label, along with the chance to try pescado frito (fried fish), one of Menorca’s most iconic and beloved dishes.

Maria Antònia Taltavull added:

“This is an environment designed for families, with culinary activities and workshops adapted for children to discover cooking in a fun and educational way. There will also be a showcooking program that gives a voice to all sectors, featuring diverse representatives from our island and special guests from neighboring islands. Above all, we are highlighting young generations of Menorcan chefs, who represent the future of our gastronomy.”

Menorca’s Products and Identity

One of the most distinctive aspects of Fira Arrels is that it unites the three pillars of Menorca’s identity in one space:

• The countryside, with unique products like chamomile and honey, symbol of Menorca’s culture and its bond with nature.
• The sea, which this year takes centre stage with fried fish and marine product showcooking.
• The land and traditions, which tell the island’s history and bring forward its most cherished products.

All three pillars will be transformed into dishes during this weekend’s showcooking.

Program Highlights

• Saturday, September 20
  • 11:15 – Opening ceremony with live music by Joana Pons & Ses Guitarres
  • 12:00 – First culinary demo: Federico Giomi (Coral Restaurant) prepares chocolate cream with Al Parico oil
  • 13:00 – Fish baked in salt by Manolo Barahona
  • 14:00 – José Bosch & Pablo Pega: Menorcan cuisine tasting
  • 16:00 – Chamomile tasting with Marc Moll, Pere Pons, Juan Carlos García, and chef Sílvia Anglada
  • 17:00 – Menorcan Gastronomy Awards 2025, organised by Foodies on Menorca with the collaboration of Fra Roger, the Association of Gastronomic Journalists and Writers of the Balearic Islands, Restauración Menorca, Pime Menorca, Ascaib, and Cómete Menorca
  • 18:00 – Menorcan product tasting (cheese, wine, jams, cold cuts) by Ángel Luis López & Francisco de Asís
  • 19:00 – Concert by Binigaus Band
  • 20:30 – Concert by Entonats
• Sunday, September 21
  • 11:00 – Chef Miquel Calent: apricot and Maó cheese banyetes
  • 12:00 – Chef Santi Taura: cuisine of Menorca’s stately homes
  • 14:00 – Live music by Tomeu Penya
  • 15:00 – Young chef Joan Taltavull: conger fish casserole (panadera de congrio)
  • 16:00 – Rubio Kitchen: ensaimadas with figs
  • 17:00 – Tastings of organic and local products

For children, there will be traditional games, storytelling, recreational areas, face painting, and gymkhanas throughout both days.

Practical Info

• Saturday opening hours: 11:00 – 22:00
• Sunday opening hours: 10:30 – 18:00
• Full program available here: Fira Arrels Official Website