Alacroqueta Croquette Championship 2026 in Alicante

Alacroqueta Croquette Championship 2026 in Alicante

The second edition of the Alacroqueta Croquette Championship in Alicante begins on 15 April 2026 and runs until 19 April at Plaza Séneca (the former bus station square). This is a gastronomic festival where local bars and restaurants compete for the title of best croqueta — a traditional Spanish dish of crispy, deep-fried balls filled with rich, savory fillings.

Visitors can sample a wide variety of croquetas: with chicken and jamón, seafood, vegetables, or cheese. The winner will be chosen by public vote. Organizers promise live culinary shows, DJ sets, entertainment activities, and a dedicated children’s zone.

Alacroqueta 2026 Schedule:

• 15 April: Opening at 18:00;
• 16–17 April: 12:00–00:00;
• 18–19 April: 12:00–23:00–00:00.

Admission is free. Croqueta prices are set by participating venues.

Follow updates on Instagram @alacroqueta.

What are croquetas? A classic recipe from Spanish cuisine

Croquetas are crispy, deep-fried balls with a thick, creamy filling — typically based on béchamel sauce. The classic version features chicken and jamón ibérico.

Ingredients per portion:

• 500 ml milk;
• 160 g flour;
• 120 g chicken;
• 40 g jamón;
• 150 g butter;
• eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, nutmeg.

Sauté onion and chicken, add flour and milk to make a thick béchamel, cool the mixture, shape into balls, coat in egg and breadcrumbs, then deep-fry.

Fun fact: 16 January is International Croqueta Day.

Where to try the best croquetas in Alicante and nearby areas

Beyond the Alacroqueta festival, look for outstanding croquetas at bars in Torrevieja (Croquetiendo competition) or Valencia. In Alicante, the festival is the perfect opportunity to discover new culinary gems.

Don’t miss Alacroqueta 2026 — mark your calendar and come taste the best croquetas Alicante has to offer!