El Hierro Launches ‘Chascar 2026’ to Promote Local Gastronomy and Sustainability
The "Chascar 2026 – El Hierro Gastronomic Duel" will take place on March 27 and 28 in La Frontera, featuring culinary competitions, local business showcases, and expert discussions aimed at promoting sustainable food production on the island.
El Hierro is boosting local food production and business with the launch of "Chascar 2026 – El Hierro Gastronomic Duel." Taking place on March 27 and 28 at Plaza Benito Padrón in La Frontera, the event aims to connect local producers, chefs, and consumers, highlighting the importance of the island’s primary sector in an era of globalized food markets.
Hosted by Matías Alonso, the event focuses on two main areas: culinary competition and sustainability. Four local chefs—Brian Rodríguez, Mónica Guadarrama, Jenny García, and Yael Alexander—will compete in a knockout tournament, with a jury led by Fátima Reboso, Jonay Armas, Emita Padrón, and Yuslaidy Hurtado judging their use of local ingredients. Additionally, local restaurants will face off in a burger competition, judged by the team behind "Guachinches Modernos" and restaurateur Severo Zamora.
The event also features a fair with over 20 businesses and six catering stands, promoting the circular economy just before Holy Week. Educational sessions will cover topics like food waste and local production, featuring experts such as Fabiola Ávila and wine specialist Alfredo Hernández, who will host tastings of El Hierro’s local wines. Children can also participate in traditional games and craft workshops led by Elsa García, “Como en casa Lila,” and “Yuriy Arte.”
A panel discussion moderated by Zenaido Hernández will bring together representatives from the primary sector, including the Livestock Cooperative and farmer Natalia Quintero, to discuss the island’s economic future with local and regional officials, such as David Cabrera, Mercedes Álvarez, Susana Pérez, and Feliciano López.
To reach a wider audience, parts of the event will be streamed online to showcase El Hierro’s food scene on social media. The program also includes live music from Aseres, Renzzo El Selector, Ruperto, Serendipia, and Anabell Febles, turning the festival into a space for both celebration and serious discussion about sustainable development in the Canary Islands.