HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE BENAVENTE FAIRS
Several factors favored the development of a flourishing craft and commercial activity in Benavente from the time of the repopulation of the town during the Middle Ages. The concession of a free fair by Alfonso X in 1254 came to culminate this process, becoming another stimulus for the social and economic development of the Benavente council. The celebration would take place three weeks after Easter and its duration would be fifteen days.
Its strategic situation as a place of obligatory passage, will turn it into a meeting point for the most varied mercantile flows. Generic allusions to the Benavente fairs appear in the tariffs of the portazgo, in the 15th century, when the town was already under the dominion of the Pimentel family, Counts of Benavente. At that time, two fair cycles took place: one in May and the other in November. The main town thus became, in addition to a center of political power, an economic reference for the inhabitants of the villages, where they came to obtain all kinds of goods and services.
During the modern and contemporary age Benavente has three important livestock fairs throughout the year: Las Candelas, La Ascensión and Corpus Christi, in addition to some busy weekly markets every Thursday of the year. According to Pascual Madoz in his famous dictionary, in the mid-nineteenth century, the diversity of genres distinguishes the fair of the Ascension from the rest, which lasted four days, to that of Las Candelas, which takes place in early February and was a meeting mainly livestock, being undoubtedly the Corpus Fair the most important of the year.
In the transition from the XIX century to the XX century the commercial life of the city is animated by the demographic growth. The boom in trade was due to the creation of new trade fairs since 1888, the so-called September Fairs and Festivals, which were held for several days around the 8th of that month. They served to supply the locals with all kinds of goods and manufactured goods after the harvesting period. The railroad turned out to be another key to the commercial development of Benavente, through the Cáceres-Astorga line. Later in the 20th century, the improvement of road communications had a significant impact on the modernization of commercial structures. In 1929 Benavente officially received the title of city largely thanks to its economic and commercial importance.
At present, several fairs are held throughout the year. Among all of them, it is worth mentioning the Pepper Fair, which is a showcase to publicize the products of the orchard of the region that are distinguished by their excellent quality. The bell pepper of the Valleys of Benavente, especially valued for its exceptional qualities, called “morrón”, is the main protagonist of the show. The exhibition and sale is complemented by other agricultural and agri-food products of the area also remarkable for its category. On the other hand, the recovered and renewed September Fairs intend to recover the commercial and fair pulse of the city, together with other diverse events throughout the year and to be held both in the old part of the city and in the modern enclosure of the so-called Business Center of Benavente, located in the area where the industrial parks of the city and its Transport and Merchandise Center are located.
FAIRS OF BENAVENTE AT THE PRESENT TIME
- NEW VEHICLE FAIR - KM 0
It is held at the Centro de Negocios del Centro de Transportes y Logística de Benavente during a weekend, usually in the month of March. Several dealers of the city participate in this fair and it is a great opportunity for visitors to find a vehicle that suits their needs and this also leads to the renewal of the vehicle fleet.
- SPRING STOCK FAIR AND FALL STOCK FAIR
With the aim of making known to the public the stock of clothing and footwear in the retail trade of this town, this fair seeks to be a striking proposal of local trade with quality products compared to the online offer. It is held in early spring and early autumn in the Plaza Mayor of this town.
- SEPTEMBER FAIRS (LOCAL PRODUCTS, CERAMICS AND POTTERY)
This Fair aims to recover a tradition of many years with a renewed event, in which the exhibition and sale of local products (including honey, sausages, cheeses, wines, preserves, sweets and gourmet delicacies) with handmade ceramics and pottery, which is intended to recover the commercial and fair pulse of the city, and which also represents a stimulus for social and economic development of this town.
This Fair is located in the downtown area of Benavente, Plaza de la Madera and Plaza de Santa Maria, and is held the first weekend of September, with wooden booths to house the various exhibitors participating in it, and is accompanied by various activities, tastings, workshops, performances, a popular tasting, etc., all free of charge, for all ages and audiences.
- FAIR OF PEPPERS AND PRODUCTS OF BENAVENTE AND VALLEYS
The Pepper and Produce Fair is held in Benavente in September. It is a showcase where products that are distinguished by their excellent quality are made known. The bell pepper of the Valleys of Benavente, every day more valued for its exceptional qualities, is the main protagonist of this event, which was born with the intention of showing the best agri-food raw materials, not only in the area, but throughout the country.
The region of Benavente is characterized by its great hydraulic wealth and its large irrigated areas. The crop crisis has highlighted the need to look for alternative crops, which although they were already traditional in the area, they were marginal, but at present they are a potential source of wealth, and among these crops the PEPPER is obtaining excellent results, because the quality is maximum.
The exhibition of other products of the land, also characterized by its high quality, complement the Pepper Fair, agricultural products that are the standard bearers of an indispensable raw material for the local cuisine. Among other activities parallel to the Pepper Fair are the gastronomic days held at the Parador de Benavente coinciding with the fair.
- OTHER EVENTS
BENAFEST
A new music festival that encompasses various musical styles such as flamenco, rock, electronic music or rap, with artists from Benavente and region. It is held in the Prado de las Pavas in September, with numerous outdoor concerts.
MOTOFEST
Biker Festival of Benavente held in the Paseos de la Mota at the end of June, in which a large exhibition of motorcycles with participants from different parts of the regional and national geography, constituting a day of coexistence between bikers, accompanied by music and other activities.
“BENGO A COMPRAR A BENAVENTE”.
It is a campaign to support local trade, which under the slogan “Bengo a comprar a Benavente“, aims to promote local trade, through an initiative that takes place during the month of July and through which participating establishments deliver to consumers for a purchase of a certain amount, cartons to participate in a raffle.
This event, which culminates the campaign, is held outdoors in the Plaza de la Madera, and it draws shopping vouchers to be redeemed among the participating stores in the city.
BENAVENTE FASHION EVENT
A great fashion show with the participation of many local stores and businesses, in which clothing stores, accessories and shoe stores present their collections. This event also includes live performances, bringing together fashion, music and talent benaventano, with a clear objective to support local trade, through its promotion.
CONCENTRATION OF CLASSIC VEHICLES
This concentration is held on a weekend in August, it is exposed in the Avenida el Ferial a variety of classic and historic vehicles, with more than thirty years old, in which authentic collector’s items are displayed. This event full of history is a unique opportunity to see vintage vehicles on the streets of our city, and also enjoy the various activities for all audiences, which take place during the weekend.
SLEEPLESS NIGHT
The city of Benavente dresses in white in this event that takes place in the streets of the historic center, in a special night in which the participating establishments open their doors to offer unique opportunities and special prices on their products.
This event fills the streets of Benavente with life and activity, with its stores decorated in a homogeneous way, with music and dancing for a night of atmosphere and fun.
MASCOT CONTEST
This event is held in September and offers participants the chance to let their pets show off their skills and charms in a fun contest with three main prize categories. The first prize in each category consists of a voucher to be used for veterinary expenses.
BOOK FAIR
The Benavente Book Fair is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the summer in our city. Every year, during the first weekend of August, the Paseo de la Mota becomes a meeting point for lovers of reading, authors, publishers and local, regional and national bookstores.
This cultural event runs from Wednesday through Saturday at noon, offering four days full of literature, art and culture. With a large number of visitors, the fair has established itself as a must-attend event both for those who want to know the latest publishing novelties and for those who are looking for that special book they have been wanting to read for a long time.
The fair takes place in a privileged location: the Paseos de la Mota, whose surroundings allow visitors to enjoy not only literature, but also the gardens, the impressive views of the Torreón del Parador and the open panoramas of the valley. This incomparable setting makes the Book Fair a unique experience that goes beyond books, offering visitors a natural and monumental environment that highlights the beauty of our city.
In addition to the sale and exhibition of books, the fair offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Among them are:
– Book presentations: Renowned local and national authors present their latest works and talk with readers.
– Book signings: A unique opportunity for attendees to get a copy signed by their favorite writers.
– Children’s workshops and storytelling: Activities designed for children, with the aim of promoting reading and creativity from an early age.
– Talks and conferences: Literary meetings with writers, critics and experts in various cultural disciplines.
– Concerts and live shows: Music and performing arts also have their place at the fair, creating a unique atmosphere that enriches the experience of all attendees.
The Benavente Book Fair, held in the iconic Paseos de la Mota, not only promotes reading, but also strengthens the cultural life of the city, making Benavente a literary reference in the region during these dates. We are waiting for you to enjoy culture and reading in a unique environment!
Program
MEDIEVAL MARKET
Every year, the Department of Culture of the City Council of Benavente, organizes the “Medieval Market” within its summer program of activities. Being the usual date of celebration, the last weekend of July.
The Medieval Market of Benavente is held during the summer and has full acceptance by the residents of the city and visitors from other municipalities.
The Medieval Market, among other activities, has decoration and ornamentation of the street, workshops and typical activities of the time, entertainment shows and other cultural or recreational activities, such as stalls for display and sale of various products: organic, handicrafts, alternative, etc.. And, of course, an endless number of stalls selling handicrafts.
In addition to the recreational, festive and cultural activities, the craft trade and the promotion of tourism in the municipality are encouraged.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF WEEKLY MARKETS
Since the Middle Ages there is evidence of the celebration of weekly markets in Benavente. Precisely the name of its two most important temples, such as Santa María del Azogue (azogue means precisely square or market) and San Juan del Mercado, comes from the exercise of this function or activity in its environment since the twelfth century. In the mid-fifteenth century the third Count of Benavente, Don Alonso Pimentel y Enriquez, tried to encourage the settlement of new neighbors behind the Church of Santa Maria del Azogue to the parishes of San Martin and San Pedro, but in 1455 Count Alonso Pimentel, in view of the non-fulfillment of his instructions for the construction of new houses and the settlement of new settlers, he orders that the market and the fairs of the town be held again between the churches of San Nicolás and San Juan del Mercado, as they used to do before.
The general supply and markets of Benavente were governed by rigid legal rules, whose purpose was to ensure that there was never a shortage of food. The ordinances come to constitute a legislative body of local character that has its origins in medieval times, reaching its period of extensive development in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The benaventanas ordinances will be updated and compiled on several occasions. Such happens during the XVI and XVII centuries, being that of all of them we emphasize those that regulate mercantile and commercial aspects (sale of products, regulation of weights and measures, etc.).
Traditionally, the city had different points of sale for daily consumption, but every Thursday the weekly markets were held in specific places. Thus, the fruit and vegetable market was held in the Plaza Mayor, the quincalla market in the Corrillo de San Nicolás, the firewood and coal market in the Plaza de la Madera, the pottery market in the Plazuela de la Encomienda, the cereal and cattle market in the Plaza del Grano, the vegetable and chicken market in the Corrillo de Renueva, the horse, donkey and mule market in the Plaza de San Martín, etc. Although since the middle of the 20th century some of these weekly markets have suffered displacements and changes of location due to urban transformations and social needs. This did not prevent the construction of a Municipal Food Market in 1945, which was later renovated with the construction of a new and modern building in 1984, which served its function for several decades until a few years ago. It will also have a specific enclosure to hold their weekly livestock markets on the outskirts of the city Regional Livestock Market) opened in 1970 and expanded on several occasions has finally fulfilled its function until just a few dates ago.
The change of uses and commercial practices during the last decades, and particularly at present, has led to the permanence of only some of these public spaces, such as the weekly fruit and vegetable market in the Plaza Mayor and its adjoining Plaza del Grano, as well as the celebrated clothing, footwear and other useful items market in Avenida Cañada de la Vizana, which enjoy a considerable influx in their weekly appointment on Thursday mornings.
Markets today
The celebration of the two markets that currently take place in the town of Benavente; The fruit and vegetable market and the clothing, footwear, etc. market are generally held every Thursday of the year, in the morning.
During those days, Benavente becomes the meeting point for the people of this town and the region, since the commercial activity carried out in these markets is of great interest to citizens.
The textile market is located on Avda. Cañada de la Vizana and stands out for the large number of stalls and the variety of products at affordable prices that can be found there: clothing, footwear, leather goods, jewelry, etc.
The vegetable market is located in the Plaza Mayor and Plaza del Grano, and the area’s gardeners, as well as street fruit and plant vendors, sell their products. In this sense, you can find a wide variety of products such as fruits, vegetables, honey, cheeses, cod, etc.
