Estepona's Ronqueo del Atún returns. Tuna cutting, tastings and live music on 14 November

Estepona's tuna-cutting festival returns for a second year on Saturday 14 November, with a live demonstration, food tastings and music beside the fishing port. Entry is free, according to Euro Weekly News.

By Costa del Sol Journal Newsroom · Published November 11, 2026 · AI-assisted

Hands in close-up slicing a large red tuna loin with a long knife on a bed of crushed ice at a fish counter. — ubert / Pixabay, Pixabay Content License

Estepona is set to host the second edition of its Ronqueo del Atún, a food event built around the traditional cutting up of a whole tuna, on Saturday 14 November. Euro Weekly News reported that the festival starts at 12.30pm and is free to enter, which makes it an easy afternoon out for residents and visitors in the area.

Key facts

Date and time: Saturday 14 November, from 12.30pm.
Place: the open area beside Restaurante La Escollera, close to Estepona's fishing port.
Entry: free, although individual food tastings may be charged separately, according to Euro Weekly News.
Demonstration: led by Carlos López, known as "Ronqueador".
Music: live performance by Tarifa Plana.

What is a ronqueo

A ronqueo is the traditional cutting up of a whole tuna by a specialist, known as a ronqueador. Euro Weekly News described it as far more than simple filleting: it takes detailed knowledge of the tuna's anatomy to separate the fish into its different cuts.

Each cut has its own culinary use, and some are particularly prized for their texture and flavour. Visitors at the Estepona event will be able to watch the technique at close quarters.

The name is linked to the Spanish verb "roncar", meaning "to snore". It refers to the rasping sound a specialist knife makes as it passes along the backbone of the fish. Euro Weekly News said the official tourism information from Barbate, where the tuna fishing boats originate, explains the origin of the name and its connection to traditional tuna preparation.

What is on the menu

The food is a major part of the event. Euro Weekly News listed tuna specialities including tartare, carpaccio, mojama (salt-cured tuna), rice dishes and traditional gildas. There will also be specialist tuna preserves and salted products, while pastries from Los Verdiales will add a local sweet touch.

Organisers and context

The event is organised by Restaurante La Escollera and supported by Estepona Town Hall and the local Fishermen's Guild, among other organisations, according to Euro Weekly News. The outlet said organisers expect considerable interest.

The festival follows other food events in the town, including the Estepona Cheese and Gastronomic Fair and the town's gourmet burger festival.

For anyone planning to go, the practical point is that entry costs nothing but food may not be included, so it is worth checking prices for individual tastings on the day.