Charity Ham-Cutting Event in Puzol
More than 60 ham cutters from various parts of the country will gather on Sunday, 31 August, in Puzol, Valencia. The charity event, now in its sixth edition, will commence at 20:00 and aims to support the Spanish Cancer Association.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
Over 60 cutters will participate in this charity day. Each of them will slice a ham, and the resulting plates will be sold for five euros. All proceeds will be entirely dedicated to the care and support programmes run by the Spanish Cancer Association in the province.
The Most Charitable Cutter: José Carlos Prieto
The event will also feature support from the World’s Best Ham Cutter, awarded by the prestigious “World Record Luxury” competition (2023 – 2024), who is based in Fuerteventura—José Carlos Prieto. He has successfully combined the concepts of solidarity and Fuerteventura, helping to promote the destination through his charitable actions.
José Carlos was thrilled to receive the news from the Valencia Community, which once again recognises him for his altruistic efforts in enhancing the social fabric and fundraising efforts. This event means that more than 2,500 plates will be put up for sale, allowing over two hundred kilograms of ham to be enjoyed.
A Record of Achievement
Among his numerous accomplishments, Prieto has successfully included Fuerteventura in the Guinness World Records by creating the longest ham sandwich in the world, measuring over a kilometre. This event attracted thousands of participants to the capital and garnered significant social media attention due to content shared by the nearly 50 cutters who came to Fuerteventura for the initiative. Funds raised were donated to the Majorera Mental Health Association (Asomasamen), significantly increasing visibility for their work. José Carlos managed to raise between €35,000 and €40,000, which benefited the Majorera Mental Health Association.
Prieto has also contributed to the collection of toys for the Christmas campaign of the Red Cross Youth in Fuerteventura and has helped stimulate the open commercial areas of the capital in collaboration with Asofuer, benefitting several NGOs.
He has represented the island at major events such as FITUR, where he performed his distinguished ham cutting at the CEHAT stand. He has been named Fuerteventura’s Tourist Ambassador and received the Professional Merit Medal at the 2021 Europe Forum.
Among the many awards and recognitions Prieto has received for his skill as a master ham cutter, the one from his place of origin ranks highest in his heart as it acknowledges his role as the ambassador for the ‘El Puntal’ Fig Cooperative. This highlights his introduction of Torre de Miguel Sesmero figs—a unique and high-quality product—into the Canarian market, which can now be found in several supermarkets across the archipelago.
His journey reflects that of a born fighter; a cutter passionate about a unique Spanish product, with an unrelenting dedication to his craft, which he has elevated to an art form.
