Ever since the 18th century when Alfonso VIII founded the city of Plasencia, there has been a traditional market celebration where farmers, villagers, and artisans arrive from throughout the sub-region with the goal of selling, exchanging, or simply showing-off their wares. Even today, this festival known as “Martes Mayor” (“Big Tuesday”) is celebrated the first Tuesday of August and has been declared a Fiesta of Regional Touristic Interest which manages to draw over 30,000 visitors. On the eve of Martes Mayor, there is a small village party held in the square and on Tuesday morning, free wine is handed out to visitors in the plaza. At night, a free concert is held for all in the Plaza Mayor. In the market itself, visitors can find folk dances, horse shows, fife and drum groups, and all kinds of contests judging everything from the best fruit and vegetables to balcony decorations to regional costumes and artisanal goods.