The parish of Goente in the municipality of As Pontes successfully hosted its annual fair dedicated to promoting Galician cheese, particularly from the Eume region, alongside local honey. The event, which took place on 13 October 2024, featured 26 stalls under a marquee, benefiting from clear skies that allowed visitors to enjoy the sunshine while sampling a variety of local delicacies.
Attendees had the opportunity to taste seasonal products and participate in workshops led by cheese expert Salomé Beiroa and chef André Arzúa. They provided insights into the art of cheese tasting and prepared a range of tapas for guests. Children were also engaged through workshops designed to familiarise them with cheese, allowing them to choose aromatic plants as gifts for their kitchens.
Of the 26 exhibitors, five showcased cheese and eight presented honey, as noted by Elena López, the councillor for Economic Promotion in As Pontes. The fair also featured local artisans and producers offering seasonal vegetables, chestnuts, and various mushrooms, including cantharellus cibarius and boletus edulis.
Attendance at this celebration of cheese and honey remained consistent with previous years. Despite invitations extended to more cheese producers, some were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts with other fairs in Galicia, such as the San Froilán festival in Lugo. López emphasised the importance of increasing representation of local products at such events, assuring that they are always welcome to participate.
The fair served not only as a marketplace but also as a cultural event, where culinary creativity was on display. Visitors enjoyed a range of dishes, including traditional stews and desserts made with local cheese and honey. The event concluded with a performance by magician Roberto Lago, adding to the festive atmosphere.
