15th Pinolere Cheese Fair Returns to La Orotava This Weekend

The 15th Pinolere Cheese Fair returns to La Orotava this weekend, cementing its status as a key indicator of the health of the Canary Islands' primary sector. Held at the Pinolere Ethnographic Park, the event is more than just a marketplace; it serves as a vital celebration of Canarian rural identity.

Supported by the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo of Tenerife, the fair will feature 30 cheese dairies from across the islands. Doors open this Saturday at 10:00 a.m., with over 50 exhibitors showcasing not only cheeses but also local wines from the Valle de La Orotava, craft beers, and handmade goods.

The fair offers a packed schedule of cultural and educational activities. Highlights include guided tastings, cheese-board workshops, live cooking demonstrations featuring local black pork, and documentaries about the role of women in shepherding. Visitors can also enjoy traditional displays, such as the shepherd’s leap and stick fighting, alongside presentations of native dog breeds like the Palmero and Majorero rat terriers.

The event also focuses on industry recognition. Organizers will announce the winners of the 13th Pinolere Island Cheese Contest and honor the Association of Artisan Cheese Producers of Tenerife. On Sunday, a special tribute will be paid to goatherd Dailos Farrais Rodríguez for his career contributions.

Admission is 3 euros, with free entry for children under 8 and a reduced rate of 1.50 euros for those aged 8 to 14. Access is also available through the "Breakfasts with cheese in La Orotava" initiative.

Regional Minister of Agriculture Narvay Quintero and Mayor Francisco Linares have both highlighted the fair’s importance in connecting local producers directly with consumers. This "zero-kilometer" approach is considered essential for the resilience of the Canarian countryside. The fair concludes on Sunday at 6:00 p.m., wrapping up two days dedicated to professional training, heritage, and economic growth.