The Paella Contest at Fallas Oliva 2026, known locally as the Concurs de Paelles, was once again one of the most anticipated events of the Fallas celebrations in Oliva, Spain. Held at Parc de l’Estació, this traditional cooking competition brought together Fallas commissions, families and friends for a day dedicated to Valencian gastronomy, community spirit and celebration.

As part of the official Fallas Oliva 2026 programme, the event followed the ceremonial procession and gathering of local representatives. The Cort d’Honor, along with members of the Federació de Falles d’Oliva and local authorities, attended the competition, highlighting its importance within the Fallas calendar. The presence of the town’s mayor and festival councillors reinforced how central this gastronomic tradition is to the identity of Fallas in Oliva.

For the contest, the streets surrounding Parc de l’Estació were closed to traffic, transforming the area into a large open-air cooking and social space. Long tables, cooking stands and enormous paella pans filled the street as each team prepared their entry over open flames. The smell of wood smoke and saffron drifted through the air while music and conversation created a lively, relaxed atmosphere.

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The Concurs de Paelles is more than just a competition — it is a celebration of Valencian culinary heritage. Cooking paella outdoors is a deeply rooted custom in the Valencian Community, symbolising unity, friendship and local pride. During Fallas in Oliva, this tradition takes on even greater meaning, as each commission competes not only for flavour and presentation but also for honour and recognition within the community.

Judging typically focuses on authenticity, taste, cooking technique and overall presentation. In 2026, the winning commissions were:

🥇 First Prize: Falla Casa d’Alonso
🥈 Second Prize: AC Falla de l’Estació
🥉 Third Prize: AC Falla Conservatori

These commissions impressed the judges with their traditional Valencian paella recipes and careful preparation.

After the awards were announced, the celebration continued into the afternoon with music and a festive atmosphere. The paella was shared among participants and visitors, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines Fallas in Oliva.

Located on the Costa Blanca in the Marina Alta region, Oliva provides the perfect setting for events like the Paella Contest. With its historic old town, nearby orange groves and beautiful Mediterranean beaches, the town combines heritage, gastronomy and festival culture in a uniquely Valencian way.

The Paella Contest at Fallas Oliva 2026 once again demonstrated why Fallas is not only about fireworks and monuments, but also about food, friendship and community tradition in the heart of the Valencian Community.