Santa Cruz Hosts Sixth Annual Cheese&More Lovers Fest to Boost Local Gastronomy
The sixth annual Cheese&More Lovers Fest is taking place at Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Museum of Nature and Archaeology this weekend, connecting local producers with the culinary industry to promote regional gastronomy.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is cementing its reputation as a culinary hub this weekend as the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) hosts the sixth annual Cheese&More Lovers Fest. Organizers describe the event as more than just a market; it is a strategic meeting point designed to connect local farmers and producers with the island’s restaurant industry.
The festival highlights the importance of "kilometer zero" sourcing, putting the spotlight on the archipelago’s thriving cheese industry. The free event offers a mix of education and entertainment, featuring live demonstrations and tastings that showcase how local dairy pairs with island wines. Notable participants include chef Pedro Nel of Izakaya LO and the team from FreeHeart bakery, who are demonstrating how to elevate local ingredients using professional culinary techniques.
Beyond the food, the festival provides a vital platform for producers from across the islands to meet their customers face-to-face. Supported by GMR Canarias, the Santa Cruz Development Society, and Turismo de Tenerife, the event aims to boost the local economy and strengthen the city’s appeal as a tourism destination.
The festival continues throughout the day this Sunday, March 15. It reflects a broader trend in Spanish tourism, where local gastronomy is increasingly used to distinguish destinations and support the sustainability of rural farms in a globalized market.