Santa Cruz Hosts Cheese&More Lovers Fest to Spotlight Canary Islands Gastronomy
The Museum of Nature and Archaeology in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is hosting the "Cheese&More Lovers Fest" this weekend, a free event showcasing local producers and promoting the Canary Islands' culinary heritage through tastings and workshops.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is showcasing the best of the Canary Islands’ food scene this weekend. The Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) is hosting the latest "Cheese&More Lovers Fest," an event designed to connect local food producers directly with the public.
The festival, which is free to attend this Saturday and Sunday, features a gastronomic market with local brands like Zulay, Varguita Cheesecake, Plátano Loco, and Rompiendo Moldes. These businesses highlight how the island’s food industry is evolving, blending traditional cheesemaking with modern tastes.
The event offers more than just shopping; it focuses on education and hands-on experiences. Visitors can take part in workshops, guided cheese and wine tastings, and live cooking demonstrations. Highlights include appearances by chef Pedro Nel of Izakaya LO and the team from FreeHeart, who are sharing their expertise on pairing local cheeses with regional wines.
Beyond the fun, the festival serves an important economic purpose by helping producers from across the seven islands reach new customers. By focusing on "kilometer zero" products—locally sourced food—the event supports the archipelago’s commitment to protecting its unique biodiversity and culinary identity against mass-produced alternatives. The festival continues throughout the day on Sunday, cementing its place as a key event on Tenerife’s cultural calendar.