A Party of Tradition: Montaña Alta’s Cheese Festival

The annual cheese party in Montaña Alta, Gran Canaria, held this past Sunday, was a resounding success, attracting an estimated 8,000 attendees from across the island. This 48th edition of the festival,officially recognized as a Tourist Interest Festival of the Canary islands,served as a vibrant tribute to the region’s rich cultural heritage and unique gastronomic identity.

Honoring Roots and Protecting Local Products

Alfredo Gonçalves Ferreira,the mayor of Guía de Gran Canaria,emphasized the festival’s significance as a tribute to our roots,to our culture,to the defence and protection of a product as special as our cheeks are to the identity and cultural heritage of our municipality. He further pledged the new municipal government’s commitment to supporting the protected designation of origin for Guía Flower cheese, Guía Flower cheese, and Guía cheese, ensuring the authenticity of this prized local delicacy.

“a tribute to our roots, to our culture, to the defense and protection of a product as special as our cheeks are to the identity and cultural heritage of our municipality.”

Alfredo Gonçalves Ferreira,Mayor of guía de Gran Canaria

The importance of protecting local agricultural products is increasingly vital. According to recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, customary food products contribute significantly to the rural economy and cultural identity of regions across Spain. Festivals like the Montaña Alta cheese party play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting the consumption of these products.

Supporting the Primary Sector: A Collective Effort

Miguel Hidalgo, the primary sector counselor of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the vulnerability of the agricultural sector and its importance from both an economic and social standpoint. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the rural world and support those who live and work in these areas.

“not only that it is indeed an crucial economic activity but also from the social and identity point of view so it is essential that we work together and closely in the care and defense of the rural world and of all who live and work in those spaces.”

Miguel Hidalgo, Primary Sector Counselor of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria

The european Union has also recognized the importance of supporting rural communities and preserving traditional agricultural practices. Through initiatives like the common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the EU provides funding and resources to help farmers adapt to changing market conditions and maintain the viability of rural areas.

Montaña Alta: The Perfect Hosts

The residents of Montaña Alta once again proved to be gracious hosts, offering thousands of tastings of Canarian sancocho, jaramhagos stew, Guía cheese, gofio pella, and tortillas with honey. Despite the long queues, attendees eagerly awaited the opportunity to savor these local specialties.

A Tribute to Culinary Dedication

This year’s festival included a special tribute to Carmen Santiago Díaz, affectionately known as Nena, and Atilio Suárez Suárez, a couple who have dedicated 30 years to preparing the jaramhagos stew. Alejandra García Díaz, the Councilor for Primary Sector and Tourism, praised their cauldron as a symbol of community, hospitality, and resistance, and thanked them for their unwavering commitment to sharing the taste of the country.

“His cauldron not only feeds us, he brings us together, unites us and excites us, it is indeed a symbol of community, hospitality and resistance.”

Alejandra García Díaz, Councilor for Primary Sector and Tourism

A Celebration of Local flavors and Traditions

The annual Cheese Party in Gran Canaria, a vibrant celebration of local gastronomy and culture, recently concluded, leaving attendees with a taste of the island’s rich heritage. This year’s event, organized by the City Council of Gran Canaria, showcased the region’s renowned cheeses, alongside a diverse array of crafts and cultural performances.

Honoring the Masters of Cheese: A Legacy of “Gordo Lomo”

A highlight of the festival was the heartfelt tribute to Teresa González Jiménez and Juan Antonio Moreno García,affectionately known as Antonio “El de Lomo Gordo,” the masterminds behind the celebrated Gordo Lomo cheese. Councilwoman Alejandra García Díaz praised their dedication and impact on the local cheese industry.

His cheeses are the fruit of inherited wisdom, of the integral use of the habitat and work from sun to sun. Your legacy is part of the living history of our municipality.
Councilwoman Alejandra García Díaz

Their cheeses,a testament to traditional methods and a deep connection to the land,have become an iconic symbol of the region. Even in retirement, their influence remains strong, serving as an inspiration for future generations of cheesemakers. This recognition underscores the importance of preserving traditional foodways, a growing concern in an increasingly globalized world. According to a recent study by the Food and Agriculture Association (FAO), the preservation of traditional food systems is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and cultural heritage.

“Flor de Guía” Cheese Tasting and Cultural Performances

The festival also hosted the XXVI Insular tasting of “Flor de Guía” cheese, a prestigious competition that celebrates the unique flavors of this local delicacy. The event, organized in collaboration with AF Northwest Guiense, drew cheese enthusiasts and experts alike.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Yeray Rodríguez, accompanied by other international artists, delivered a captivating performance that resonated deeply with the audience. These cultural showcases are integral to the Cheese Party, highlighting the interconnectedness of food, art, and community.

Sponsors and Support

The Cheese Party of 2025 was made possible through the generous support of various organizations, including the Canary Islands Government (through the Ministry of Economy, Industry, Commerce and Autonomous; Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Food Sovereignty; Canarian Institute of Agrifood Quality, rural Environment Management within the Volcanic Xperience and Vice Presidency Project of the Canarian Government) and the Cabildo de Gran Canaria (through the Ministry of Primary Sector, Food Sovereignty and Water Safety). Their commitment underscores the importance of preserving and promoting the island’s culinary heritage.