Record-Breaking Success for European Cheese Fair
The ninth edition of the European Cheese Fair closed its doors today, Sunday 8 March, following a weekend of packed streets in La Aldea de San Nicolás. For two days of frenetic activity, this town was the epicentre of flavour and gastronomic heritage in the Canary Islands. The event drew to a close with a performance by renowned timple player Germán López, having welcomed over 10,000 visitors and achieved cheese sales exceeding 5,000 kilograms.
A Weekend of Full Houses and Flavour
By 1:00 pm on the final day, many stalls had already hung up ‘sold out’ signs, a clear testament to the immense success of this annual cheese celebration in northern Gran Canaria. Commentated tastings, samplings, novel products, associated businesses, culture, heritage, scenery, live music, and a fantastic atmosphere filled the Plaza de la Alameda and its surroundings, confirming the fair as a consolidated event in the local calendar.
This ninth edition leaves a very good taste in the mouth, with more than 5,000 kilos of product sold from around thirty dairies representing the Canary archipelago, the Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Italy, and Portugal, alongside two associations and a dozen linked companies.
Celebrating Rural Heritage and Artisan Craft
The happiness, gratitude, and affection of the farming and cheesemaking professionals brought La Aldea to life, accompanying an event that is already planning for its tenth anniversary, which will be celebrated in Agaete. The fair aims to promote and recognise the work of rural professionals, highlight the value of cheeses made on the island, celebrate traditional trades, identity, and artisan craftsmanship in a sector that adds appeal and value to tourism in the Canaries.
After years of growth, it has gained special prominence on the European gastronomic calendar. José, a resident of Agaete, stated that for his family it is an annual date. “We usually come every year for the great variety of cheeses, but also for other products. The atmosphere is very pleasant, with music groups, food stalls, open restaurants, and this weekend, moreover, the weather in La Aldea was perfect for enjoying a different kind of day with the family,” he celebrated.
Visitors and Officials Hail a Triumph
Alexis from Gáldar, another regular at the fair, shared the same sentiment. “It’s an opportunity to try not only cheeses but more products. The fair invites you to enjoy a weekend with music and a relaxed atmosphere and also to discover and learn more about our island and beyond.” Natividad from Arucas made the most of her weekend, wandering from stall to stall to try new cheeses and learn from the tastings. She didn’t leave without a wedge of cheese to enjoy at home and some sweet cheese from an Italian dairy that, she confessed, surprised her. “I loved it, I will definitely be back,” she said.
The Mayor of La Aldea, Pedro Suárez, celebrated that “there is no other way to describe this event but positively, an absolute success, not only due to the influx of local public but from all corners of the island, neighbours and tourists.” He highlighted it as an event linked to the primary sector that makes local products more visible and adds value. “Our cheeses are world-class, and this fair is a benchmark with products from several designations of origin from different regions of mainland Spain, and our own, which win international competitions.”
Looking Ahead to the Tenth Anniversary in Agaete
The President of the Mancomunidad del Norte and Mayor of Agaete, María del Carmen Rosario, declared herself “happy to close another edition with great numbers, the best atmosphere, and success for the cheesemakers and the public,” who have once again demonstrated that this is a gastronomic date and a meeting place. “This fair is not only part of the Mancomunidad’s firm commitment to its primary sector but a wholehearted bet on the island’s professionals, to champion what is ours, defending a sector that is custom, tradition, history, culture, heritage, and an ambassador of our landscape.”
With resounding participation and sales success, the European Cheese Fair now sets its course for an edition that will undoubtedly be special: a tenth birthday in Agaete, which will welcome this celebration with open arms, joy, responsibility, and great enthusiasm.
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