Menorca’s Country Fair and its most splendid cow

In March, before the harvest begins in the Menorcan fields and, with the cheeses almost ready for the new season, the island's livestock farmers meet in Alaior. The Fira del Camp is one of the most popular events that takes place in the town, focusing on the livestock and agricultural sector. Our typical fields known as "tancas" come to life in the town's La Trotxa industrial estate. It is the annual countryside festival par excellence, in which producers, suppliers and animals become the protagonists of one of the events that attracts the greatest number of visitors to Alaior.

The Friesian Cow Competition

Have you noticed how many black and white Friesian cows there are in Menorca? They're the cattle that produce the milk that is also used to make our island's famous cheese. And it is thanks to the efforts of Menorcan farmers who breed and improve this strain that such a high standard has been achieved. There have been examples, such as Goldwing Jara, a heifer from the Algendar estate, who even took part in European championships and scored very well. Therefore, the development of the Menorcan breed and the Menorcan examples can be verified year after year in the Friesian Cow Competition held at the Fira del Camp. Dozens of Friesian cows leave their peaceful green pastures and wait patiently on the straw bedding that is prepared for them before going on show. The parade of the cattle taking part in the competition is one of the main events at the Country Fair. And it is especially enjoyed by the youngest members of the family. So if you are in Alaior during the third weekend of March, come and meet the most "splendid" cows on the island, because it really is quite a spectacle.

In 2022, the Fira del Camp is resuming its usual celebration after two years of pandemic in which sanitary circumstances prevented it from taking place. On the weekend of the 19th and 20th, the Friesians will take over the La Trotxa industrial estate, along with a host of agricultural exhibitors, local producers and a fine display of the work carried out on Menorca's farms, which are largely responsible for maintaining our beloved landscape.

More than just a fair

This may not give you a full idea of the scale of this event. But we recommend that you take advantage of our tourist train, which will go around Alaior town collecting and taking visitors to the Fair. More than 80 of the island's entities, businesses and organisations from different sectors make up the list of participants in the Fira del Camp. Also, remember to bring a good shopping basket with you, because it will be difficult to resist all the delicious cheeses, sobrasada sausages and preserves that you will be able to taste at the Fair, and in this way you can take the authentic flavour of the Menorcan countryside home with you.