La Semana del Comercio y la Restauración ‘De Boca en Boca’: A Culinary and Commercial Celebration in La Oliva
As the curtains draw close on La Semana del Comercio y la Restauración ‘De Boca en Boca’, the vibrant atmosphere that has enveloped La Oliva is unmistakable. This week-long event, organized by the La Oliva Town Hall and sponsored by the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, has celebrated the rich culinary traditions and commercial spirit of the region. The enthusiastic participation of both the public and professional sectors has added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
Culinary Highlights
One of the week’s most anticipated highlights was the gastronomic program, which saw an impressive turnout of around 200 participants. Notably, on Tuesday, renowned chef Andrea Bernardi from the Michelin-starred restaurant Nub hosted a talk that captivated attendees. Fresh off receiving his Michelin star just a day after visiting Fuerteventura, Bernardi shared insights into the art of fusion cuisine, his specialty within a unique setting where only five tables are served.
The town’s Tourism Councilor, Sandra González, praised the event, emphasizing how attendees were treated to a glimpse into the world of haute cuisine—a laboratory of flavors employing the most avant-garde techniques. Accompanying Bernardi was food photographer Abel Valdenebro, who revealed the magic behind presenting even the simplest dishes, like a hamburger, in a way that makes them look irresistibly delectable.
González expressed enthusiasm for the high caliber of the gastronomic program, which also featured an olive oil tasting paired with local delicacies. This session was led by Leo Marrero, president of the Canarian Olive Society, alongside José Manuel Bajo, a representative of the Denomination of Origin for olive oil from Baena, Andalusia. Throughout the week, events also included a presentation of wines from the Conatvs winery in Lajares and a cheese tasting session conducted by the Majorero Cheese Regulatory Council. The culinary crescendo arrived on Friday with a mixology masterclass on gin and tonic, presented by Vito Calculli from the Tenerife Bartenders Association and Daniele Cordoni, a recognized expert in the field.
Commercial Revitalization
Parallel to the gastronomic festivities, the commercial sector was also spotlighted during ‘De Boca en Boca.’ Councilor for Commerce, Evelin Gómez, highlighted the efforts aimed at invigorating the local market. A central feature of the week was the Sale Fair, which offered enticing discounts at twenty small businesses and two shopping centers in Corralejo. Coinciding with this was the much-anticipated Black Friday on November 24, ensuring that the local commerce was buzzing with activity.
Gómez noted that commercial dynamization activities were particularly successful, showcasing vibrant artisan markets where artists and craftsmen from the north displayed their unique products. Live music enlivened the streets, creating a festive ambiance, and enriching the shopping experience for locals and tourists alike. These initiatives aimed to boost commerce during the critical pre-Christmas shopping period, while also providing inviting community events to encourage residents to explore their town.
Noteworthy was the event on the evening of November 23, which centered around the cutting and tasting of Iberian ham. Two experts, Marcos Sánchez and Javier Castillo, brought their skills to the street, offering a tasty experience that delighted attendees.
In essence, La Semana del Comercio y la Restauración ‘De Boca en Boca’ has curated a beautifully woven tapestry of culinary excellence and commercial vibrancy, drawing the community together and enlivening the spirit of La Oliva just in time for the holiday season. Every activity and event reinforced the commitment to celebrating local talent, gastronomic innovation, and the importance of supporting local businesses.
