Historical origin Traditions Gastronomy

Ascension Fair: Centuries-old roots

The Ascension Fair is one of Oviedo's most emblematic celebrations, originating in the 16th century as a livestock competition. Over time, it has transformed into a tribute to Asturian rural life and its people, combining livestock shows, Asturian markets, craft exhibitions, traditional sports, folklore and gastronomy.

Ascension Fair in the 19th century

The Ascension Fair in its origins as a livestock competition

From Thursdays to weekends

Originally, this festival was celebrated on Thursdays, as indicated by the popular saying:

  • "There are three Thursdays in the year that shine brighter than the sun: Holy Thursday, Corpus Christi and Ascension"

which underscores the religious and social importance of the day. However, it is now moved to the weekend, culminating on Sunday, to facilitate greater public participation.

The connection with the countryside and agricultural cycle is also reflected in another traditional saying:

"By Ascension, cherries in Oviedo and wheat in León"

which marks the arrival of the first seasonal fruits, symbolizing the awakening of nature and the link between the festival and rural life.

Traditions and activities

The Ascension Fair keeps alive numerous traditions that reflect Asturian rural culture:

Livestock exhibition

The heart of the fair remains the livestock show, where farmers and ranchers exhibit their best specimens of Asturian mountain and valley cows, xalda sheep and asturcón horses.

Traditional sports

During the fair, competitions of indigenous sports are held such as:

  • Tug of war
  • Log cutting with an axe
  • Stone lifting and throwing
  • Bowling

Asturian market

Local craft stalls exhibit and sell traditional products like wooden clogs (madreñas), Taramundi knives, Faro pottery, woven textiles and jet jewelry.

The flavor of tradition

A fundamental element of the celebration is its typical gastronomic menu, which each year invites visitors to enjoy the traditional flavors of the region.

The Ascension Menu

Seasonal vegetable stew

Made with the best freshly harvested seasonal vegetables: broad beans, peas, new potatoes, artichokes and wild asparagus.

Oviedo-style mixed meat stew

A tasty and hearty stew prepared with pork shoulder, chorizo, blood sausage and marinated ribs, slow-cooked with paprika and bay leaves.

Cheesecake with cherries

As the sweet finale of the celebration, combining fresh Asturian cheese with the first cherries of the season.

Typical Ascension menu

Traditional dishes from the Ascension Menu

In summary, the Ascension Fair is a festival that combines devotion, history, rural culture and gastronomic pleasure, celebrated by locals, Asturians and visitors as a true reflection of Asturias' soul.