The competition to choose the Best Sardine of Madrid Carnival 2026 is now open.

2026/02/12

The General Directorate of Commerce and Hospitality , in collaboration with ACYRE Madrid , has launched the competition to choose "The Best Madrid Sardine of the 2026 Carnival" , an initiative that seeks to recognize the gastronomic talent of the region and pay tribute to one of the most representative symbols of the Carnival: the sardine.

The competition is now open for entries, and interested professionals can consult the rules, registration form, and official recipe submission template via the following link:
https://www.acyre.com/mejor-sardina-madrilena-carnaval-2026/

Deadline for submitting recipes

The period for submitting proposals will be open until Wednesday, February 11 at 23:59 hours .

Recipes must be submitted following the format established in the official contest template, available on the organization's website.

Final phase

From all the proposals received, the jury will select ten finalist recipes that will move on to the final phase, which will be held on:

Monday, February 16, 2026
From 10:00 to 12:00
In the Guzmán el Bueno Market

The dishes must arrive pre-prepared and each participant will have a maximum of ten minutes to finish and plate four tapas before the jury.

Tradition and innovation surrounding Carnival

The competition aims to reinterpret, in tapas format, one of the products most closely associated with the imagery of Madrid's Carnival, fostering creativity, technique, and culinary excellence. Likewise, the initiative seeks to revitalize the hospitality sector and showcase the products and culinary talent of the Community of Madrid.

All updated information can also be found through ACYRE Madrid's official social media channels.