Festival · Arenas de Cabrales
Certamen del Queso de Cabrales
The Certamen del Queso de Cabrales takes over Arenas de Cabrales on the last Sunday of August. In 2026 it was on 30 August; on the same rule the 2027 contest falls on 29 August. The festivities start early in the morning, and the week before has tastings, cave visits and a traditional market.
- When
- Last Sunday of August
- 2027
- 29 August (expected)
- Where
- Arenas de Cabrales
- Status
- Festival of Tourist Interest of Asturias
Dates
- 29 Aug 2027Last Sunday of August (expected, not yet confirmed by the organisers)
Contest Day
From first thing in the morning, locals and visitors walk the stands to see the cheeses entered in the contest. Bagpipe bands and folk groups play through the day, and the winning cheese is auctioned. This is the only Festival of Tourist Interest in the Cabrales municipality.
The Week Before
During the week leading up to the contest there are cultural and food events around the cheese: tastings, visits to the cheese museum and caves, exhibitions, presentations, a traditional market and walking routes.
Plan Your Visit
Arenas fills up, so book a room early or stay in Cangas de Onís or Panes. The Cabrales cheese cave is in the village and open all year, and several dairies nearby run their own cave visits; see Asturias cheese dairies.
Where to Stay near Arenas de Cabrales
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Asturias Cheese Dairies
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Gamonéu Cheese Festival
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Idiazábal Cheese Route
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The cheese centre in Idiazabal and shepherd dairies open by appointment.
Ordizia Market
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A Wednesday farmers' market since 1512, and the big Idiazábal contest each September.
Next: 23 Dec 2026Questions People Ask
When is the Cabrales cheese festival?
On the last Sunday of August in Arenas de Cabrales. It was on 30 August in 2026, and the 2027 date by the same rule is 29 August.
Is the winning Cabrales cheese auctioned?
Yes, the winning cheese is auctioned in Arenas on contest day.
Official site: turismoasturias.es/descubre/fiestas-de-interes-turistico/ce…. Dates, hours and prices checked 22 October 2026; confirm on the official site before you travel. See all cheese festivals.