Vecindario experienced an unforgettable weekend with the celebration of the 21st Feria del Sureste, an event that brought together thousands of visitors attracted by the cultural, gastronomic and artisanal wealth of the region. For three intense days, from November 8 to 10, Avenida de Canarias was transformed into a great showcase of tradition and modernity, consolidating itself as one of the most eagerly awaited events on the regional calendar.
The Fair started on Friday 8th November at 11:00 in the morning with the inauguration which was attended by local and regional authorities. The president of the Mancomunidad del Sureste and mayor of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Francisco García; the president of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales; the Councillor for Economic Development and Crafts, Minerva Alonso; the Mayor of Ingenio, Vanesa Martín and the Councillor for Local Development of Agüimes, Catalina Suárez. They were also accompanied by councillors from the different municipalities. From the first moment, the atmosphere was full of enthusiasm. This fair is not only a celebration of our roots, but also a platform to show the world the best of our land.
Crafts and local products: a commitment to sustainability
One of the main attractions of the Fair was the wide range of local and artisanal products. From honey and cheese to agricultural products and traditional fabrics, the stands were full of visitors who appreciated the quality and authenticity of the products on display. This event is always an opportunity to meet and support our producers. The extended hours on Friday and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m., allowed hundreds of families to tour the exhibits in peace. On Sunday, the fair closed until 15:00 p.m. with a large influx of people.
A trip to the past with games and traditional livestock
Tradition was very present through two fundamental pillars: games and livestock. The Traditional Games Showcase allowed young and old to enjoy and remember the activities that are part of the identity of the Southeast. The folklore associations Llanos Prietos, Coros y Danzas, Guayadeque and La Revoliá were in charge of keeping these traditions alive throughout the weekend.
On the other hand, the Livestock Show captured the attention of all attendees, especially on Saturday with the celebration of the XXXIII Gran Canaria Island Drag Contest. This contest, which awarded the Canary Islands Government Trophy 2024, was the highlight of a space that recalled the importance of livestock activity for the development of the region.
Gastronomy: the undisputed protagonist
If there is something that defines the Southeast, it is its gastronomic wealth, and this edition made it more than clear. The program “Cooking the Southeast” included showcookings, tastings and samplings that surprised the most demanding palates.
The activity began on Friday with “Hoy Cocina Mi Alcalde” (My Mayor Cooks Today), where Francisco García and Borja Suárez, from the Sabor restaurant, prepared a recipe in a relaxed atmosphere. “Since last year, this activity has generated a lot of curiosity. Once again we put on our aprons and on this occasion I have decided to make some chicharrones in the traditional way that they are made in Santa Lucía, a dish that is easy to cook. What we do is cook the meat and separate the fat with the fat that these chicharrones generate, with the lard you can make mantecados, but that will be next year” shared García with great enthusiasm.
Later, David Goshn, president of the Canary Islands Sommeliers Association, offered a unique experience with his tasting of liquid harmonies and, finally, the day closed with a gastronomic tribute to the Southeast by David Morera.
Saturday was a day full of flavours, with tastings of edible buds and flowers, cheeses, local recipes and a spectacular workshop on the use of salt from the Southeast, led by the Salinas de Tenefé. The mayor of Ingenio, Vanesa Martín, was present at “Hoy Cocina Mi Alcalde” together with Carmelo González from Restaurante La Pasadilla. “It has been a great honour for me to be at the side of this magnificent chef and above all a great person, with a giant heart, a reference not only as a chef of our municipality but also as a defender of our traditions and gastronomy”, said the mayor of Ingenio, Vanesa Martín.
On Sunday, the mayor of Agüimes, Óscar Hernández, put on his apron on the program “Hoy Cocina Mi Alcalde”, together with Nelson Pérez from Restaurante Nelson.
Other activities such as the gofio workshop and cheese making completed a programme that celebrated the culinary diversity of the region. It was an incredible experience to see how local ingredients can be transformed into such innovative and tasty dishes that will provide many ideas for the kitchens of all homes.
The Fair also had children in mind, with a wide programme of children's activities on Avenida de Canarias. Workshops on “mini vegetable gardens”, “flying butterflies” and “paper windmills” encouraged a connection with nature in a fun and educational way. Other workshops involved writing poems, identifying healthy snacks, learning interesting stories about nature, etc. An attractive way for children to learn while having fun.
Musical performances that made Vecindario vibrate
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The nights of the Fair were marked by top-level musical performances. On Friday, the main stage vibrated with the talent of Divas, The Power of Music, followed by humor and music from Kike Perez and the grand closing of Butterfly Effect, who filled the venue with their energy.
On Saturday it was the turn of The Gofiones, Juan Antonio Cabrera y The Screensavers, who offered an unforgettable show. On Sunday, the finishing touch to the fair was put by The Sabandeños, Yeray Rodriguez and Thania GilOn this day, recognition was also given for their valuable contribution in the fields of agriculture, crafts and Canarian traditions, enhancing the area of southeastern Gran Canaria, to Joquegrán SL, from the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana; Panadería Mis Hijos sin Gluten, from Ingenio and Queremos Los Letreros from Agüimes.
The 21st Feria del Sureste was not only a celebration of the best of the region, but also an example of sustainability, tradition and commitment to local culture. With thousands of attendees throughout the weekend, the event closed its doors with a resounding success and the promise of returning next year with more strength.
