Estepona brings together 40 ham carvers for charity: €5 plates to support cancer patients

Ham will take centre stage at a new gastronomic event in Estepona, but this time the purpose will go far beyond what is served on the plate. On Sunday 13 September 2026, around 40 professional ham carvers will gather in Plaza del Ajedrez for the town’s first Charity Ham Carvers Meeting.

The event will run from 12 noon to 6pm and visitors will be able to enjoy plates of freshly sliced ham for €5, with all proceeds going to support the work of the Spanish Cancer Association (AECC) in Estepona.

The day will combine gastronomy, music, raffles and solidarity over six hours in the town centre and has been created with the intention of becoming a regular charity event in Estepona’s calendar.

A €5 plate of ham to support the AECC

The idea is simple.

Anyone visiting Plaza del Ajedrez will be able to buy a serving of freshly carved ham for €5 while helping to fund the programmes run by the Spanish Cancer Association in the municipality.

Organisers expect around 40 professional ham carvers to take part, transforming the square into a large open-air gastronomic meeting point for much of the afternoon.

Ham may be the visible star of the event, but the real purpose lies behind every plate served.

Funds raised will help maintain the free services provided to cancer patients and their families, as well as contributing to initiatives connected with cancer research.

More than just a tasting event

Although ham carving will be the main attraction, the event has been designed as a full afternoon programme.

There will be live music and raffles, creating an atmosphere aimed at residents, families and visitors who want to take part in the charity initiative.

The Spanish Cancer Association will also have its own information area where people can find out more about the work it carries out in Estepona.

Visitors will be able to learn about the support available to patients and relatives, as well as the importance of prevention, assistance throughout the cancer journey and continued investment in research.

The aim is therefore not only to raise money, but also to bring the association’s work closer to the public.

What does the Spanish Cancer Association do in Estepona?

Behind the event is work that continues throughout the entire year.

The AECC branch in Estepona provides free support to people undergoing cancer treatment and to their families, offering a range of assistance and guidance services.

Cancer affects much more than a patient’s physical health. It can also bring emotional difficulties, family changes, uncertainty and social needs that require specialist support.

Charity initiatives such as this help fund services that can accompany patients through different stages of the process.

The timing of the event is particularly significant because the association’s presence in Estepona has recently been strengthened.

Last month, Estepona Town Hall provided the organisation with premises that will allow it to continue offering free support to cancer patients and their relatives in the municipality for the next 20 years.

40 professional ham carvers working in one place

Another attraction will be the opportunity to watch dozens of specialists practising one of Spain’s most recognisable gastronomic skills.

Carving a ham correctly requires considerable technique.

The position of the ham, the movement of the knife, the thickness of each slice and the final presentation all affect both the tasting experience and how efficiently the product is used.

Bringing together around 40 carvers in the same space will also showcase a profession closely linked to Spanish food culture.

Estepona is already familiar with events centred on ham.

The town has hosted gastronomic activities and carving competitions over the years, but this occasion will be different because of its fully charitable nature.

Gastronomy and solidarity in the centre of Estepona

Choosing Plaza del Ajedrez also places the event in a central location that can easily be combined with a walk around Estepona.

The schedule, from midday until 6pm, makes it particularly easy to include as part of a Sunday plan.

Visitors can stop by simply for a plate of ham, stay for the entertainment or use the event as part of a wider day exploring the town centre.

There is no need to purchase an admission ticket to enter the event.

The main charitable contribution will come from purchasing ham portions and taking part in the activities organised throughout the day.

An event designed to return in future years

Although this will be the first edition, those behind the initiative are already looking ahead.

The goal is for the Charity Ham Carvers Meeting to become a regular fixture in Estepona’s annual charity calendar.

The format has several ingredients that could help it grow: a popular gastronomic product, skilled professionals, an event open to everyone and a cause directly connected with the local community.

If it becomes established, September could gain a new annual event combining food and solidarity in the heart of the town.

It would also provide another opportunity to raise awareness of cancer prevention and highlight the year-round work of organisations supporting patients and their families.

Practical information

Event: 1st Charity Ham Carvers Meeting
Date: Sunday 13 September 2026
Time: 12 noon to 6pm
Location: Plaza del Ajedrez, Estepona
Participants: around 40 professional ham carvers
Price: €5 per plate of ham
Activities: tastings, live music, raffles and AECC information stand
Funds raised for: Spanish Cancer Association in Estepona

Ultimately, the event offers an opportunity to turn something as simple as sharing a plate of ham into practical support for people facing one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

The date, opening hours, tasting price and destination of the funds have been confirmed in the official information published by Estepona Town Hall.