Every autumn, Reus celebrates one of Catalonia‘s most prized gastronomic treasures: extra virgin olive oil from the new harvest. The New Oil Fair, also known as the Siurana PDO Oil Fair, is much more than a market; it is a true celebration of the countryside, agricultural tradition, and flavour that fills Plaça de la Llibertat with an unmistakable and intoxicating aroma.
This fair has established itself as an essential event in the gastronomic calendar of the Camp de Tarragona, attracting both producers and thousands of visitors and lovers of quality cuisine. The fair highlights the work of the region’s farmers and cooperatives, under the prestigious Siurana Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
If you want to learn about the liquid gold that will grace tables throughout the rest of the year from its creators, book your transfer to Reus now. With the low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services offered by Shuttle2Sun, you can reach the capital of Baix Camp from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The Importance of Olive Oil in Catalan Cuisine
If there is one ingredient that truly links Mediterranean cuisine, and Catalan cuisine in particular, it is olive oil. Beyond being a simple cooking fat, extra virgin olive oil is the backbone of Catalan cuisine, a fundamental pillar of both the daily diet and haute cuisine. Its importance dates back centuries, influencing not only the flavour of dishes but also the region’s culinary techniques, from ancestral preservation methods to the sophisticated creations of Michelin-starred chefs.
Oil is indispensable in all Catalan recipes. It is used in everything from the humble and essential pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) to the base of slow-cooked sofritos, sauces such as alioli or romesco sauce, and a huge variety of fish and meat stews. It is responsible for adding shine, texture and, above all, that unmistakable aromatic depth and complexity that distinguishes the flavours of the land.
Regions such as Camp de Tarragona, with its Siurana Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), produce oils of exceptional quality, renowned for their fruity notes, balanced bitterness and slight throat burn—distinctive characteristics of the Arbequina variety. For this reason, the New Oil Fair in Reus not only celebrates a harvest, but also pays tribute to the most noble and vital ingredient that gives identity, flavour and soul to the Catalan table. It is proof that oil, as a liquid treasure, is the catalyst for an entire culinary culture.
Remember that you can get to Reus with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Siurana PDO: the seal of quality that defines Reus olive oil
The prestige of extra virgin olive oil produced in Reus and the surrounding area is intrinsically linked to the Siurana Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This seal of quality certifies that the oil is produced, processed and packaged in a specific geographical area under rigorous quality standards, guaranteeing consumers the excellence and authenticity of the product.
The Siurana PDO area covers regions historically linked to olive cultivation in the province of Tarragona, mainly the Camp de Tarragona and areas of Priorat and Ribera d’Ebre. The mild Mediterranean climate and the characteristic soils of the region are crucial for the development of the dominant olive variety that defines the flavour of the PDO: Arbequina.
Siurana PDO oil, extracted from the Arbequina variety, is distinguished as a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It is smooth, very pleasant and balanced on the palate, without excessive astringency. The New Oil Fair in Reus is the best opportunity to purchase this freshly pressed oil, ensuring the maximum expression of its qualities.
Visit the New Oil Fair in Reus
The New Oil Fair, or Siurana PDO Oil Fair, held on 14th and 15th of November in Plaça de la Llibertat in Reus, is the first in Catalonia to present the new harvest of Siurana PDO oil, offering a direct and participatory experience to all attendees. The fair is not only a point of sale, but also a space designed for enjoyment and immersion in the culture of olive oil.
Tastings
The core of the fair is undoubtedly the opportunity to participate in tastings. Visitors have the unique opportunity to taste and purchase around twenty different extra virgin olive oils, all of which are covered by the Siurana Protected Designation of Origin.
In addition, the fair includes popular gastronomic activities aimed at all audiences. A highlight is the charity tasting breakfast held on Saturday, November 15th, where half of the proceeds will go to La Marató de TV3.
For the little ones, and with the aim of reviving traditions, a snack of bread with oil and chocolate will be organised on Friday, accompanied by dance performances.
Raffles and competitions
The festive nature of the fair is complemented by fun activities and competitions that involve the community. Among the parallel activities are the second edition of the Alioli Contest; the now traditional scratch card system for buyers; and the raffle for the ‘el teu pes en oli’ (your weight in oil) campaign.
The Month of New Oil on Costa Dorada
November is established as the month of extra virgin olive oil on Costa Dorada. Tarragona takes over later in the month with its own Siurana PDO Olive Oil Fair in Plaça Corsini; and the coastal municipality of Cambrils also organises its Gastronomic Days with New Oil, which run from the end of October to mid-November.
Take advantage of these dates and travel to Reus and Costa Dorada to taste and purchase the coveted oil of the season. Shuttle2Sun offers you its shared transfer services and private transfer services, which are low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and the Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
