Fancy eating free pork at a giant communal barbecue? We headed to the International Pig Day celebrations in La Mata for a chance to do just that…
Introduction
Each year for the last 20 years over 1000 people have gathered in the town of La Mata, situated just to the north of the major city of Torrevieja in the south of Costa Blanca, to celebrate their International Pig Day Fiesta (Dia Internacional Del Cerdo).
This festival, also known as the International Festival of the Iberian Product of Torrelamata, marks the feast of San Anton, the patron saint of animals. It is celebrated throughout the Vega Baja region of the southern Costa Blanca, with the festivities in La Mata taking centre stage.
The celebrations are based around groups gathering to eat and drink together by the seafront, with a focus on pig products. Over 600kg of pork, 150kg of bread, and 150l of wine are distributed on a first-come-first-served basis amongst the crowd. This meat is then barbecued and enjoyed by all, while a DJ playing loud music helps to keep the party spirits up.
It’s a really fun and communal fiesta where all are welcomed to attend. We just went to this year’s event with our kids and had an enjoyable afternoon. Continuez à lire pour en savoir plus
Where is the International Pig Day Fiesta?
The International Pig Day Fiesta is held in the town of La Mata. The festivities are held in the attractive seafront square of Plaza de Encarnación Puchol. L'emplacement exact est:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EkjDpCgv5frGWe2V9
When is the International Pig Day Fiesta?
The International Pig Day Fiesta is held every year at the end of January. Le 2025 event was held on Sunday 26/01/25. The lovely weather contributed to a large crowd turning up to celebrate.
How much does it cost to attend the International Pig Day Fiesta?
The best part about the International Pig Day Fiesta? It’s completely free! Entrance to the square, as well as a share of the local produce being distributed is all for nothing. This is another reason why it is so popular.
Just turn up with some tables and chairs, a barbecue for cooking the meat (or just borrow someone else’s on the day), some extra food and drink and, most importantly, some friends and family to enjoy it all with. Then sit back, relax and enjoy the celebrations.
Where is best to park for the International Pig Day Fiesta?
Car parking in La Mata can be tricky even on a normal day. So don’t expect to turn up and park right next to the festival site.
To avoid driving around in circles trying to find a space, we opted to park at the car park for the nearby La Mata nature reserve (Parc Natural de Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja). It is an easy 5-10 min walk into town from there. L'emplacement exact est à:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GBaFj23gwZYpWcvQA
Attending the International Pig Day Fiesta with kids
While not designed as an event for children, there is nothing to stop you from attending the International Pig Day Fiesta with kids. Like most public events in Spain, it is family-friendly and everyone is welcome to attend. When we visited the event, there were plenty of other kids running about the place.
Within the main square of the festival there are a couple of small outdoor free play areas, as well a bouncy castle and fairground ride that children can use for €2 a ride. We found these to be a useful distraction for our kids.
The location of the event is also right next to a beach, meaning you also have the option of simply enjoying a day on the sand while still being able to listen to the music and festivities taking place.
For anyone wanting more food or drink other than what is distributed for free, the square is surrounded by a range of different restaurants to suit all budgets.
Our kids were happy enough to enjoy the atmosphere, have a little dance and then have a go on the bouncy castle. They were happy to stay and join in for a good couple of hours.
En résumé
If you enjoy visiting the local fiestas and festivals in Costa Blanca (let’s be honest – you never have to wait long for another one to come along!) and you haven’t been already, then definitely check out the International Pig Day Fiesta in La Mata. This well attended event is well worth a look.
For lovers of meat and all things pig related, what could be better than a big, gratuit, communal barbecue for everyone to celebrate together?
As a vegetarian myself, while obviously not the target audience, I still had fun listening to the music and taking in the uplifting atmosphere. Everyone we saw or talked to had a smile on their face – what more could you want?
Look out for the 2026 event happening next January. We hope to see you there!
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