A Celebration of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fishing: Feaga 2023 in Fuerteventura

From April 4 to April 7, 2023, the serene landscape of Fuerteventura transformed into a vibrant hub of agricultural celebration with the opening of the La Feria Agrícola, Ganadera y Pesquera (Agricultural, Livestock, and Fishing Fair), commonly known as Feaga. Hosted at the Experimental Farm in Pozo Negro, this event marked a significant occasion for locals and tourists alike, reflecting the island’s rich agricultural heritage. Coordinated by various entities, including the Cabildo de Fuerteventura and the Ayuntamiento de Antigua, Feaga showcases the best of Fuerteventura’s resources – from livestock to fishing and everything in between.

Opening Day Highlights

The fair commenced on the morning of April 4th, with a ceremonial inauguration led by Lola García, the president of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, and Matías Fidel, the counselor of Livestock, Fisheries, and Agriculture. Their warm welcome set the tone for an engaging day filled with exploration. By 9:30 AM, the gates opened wide, welcoming both the general public and local school students eager to learn about agricultural practices.

Visitors explored an extensive commercial area featuring various stalls that celebrated not just agriculture but also Canarian culture and cuisine. Competitions to judge the best goat cheese and demonstrations showcasing traditional farming techniques captivated attendees. The day’s activities culminated in an enlightening talk on Native Canary Dogs, fostering awareness about local biodiversity.

A Weekend of Engagement

The fair welcomed an even larger crowd on Saturday, April 5th. Early in the day, traditional competitions came to life, with the II Interprovincial Horse Racing event grabbing attention. Food tastings highlighted the unique flavors of majorero cuisine, giving visitors a chance to savor local delicacies. Guided tours allowed attendees to admire various livestock breeds, with knowledgeable experts on hand to provide insights about each animal type.

As the sun set on Saturday, another successful day wrapped up with attendees filled with knowledge and culinary delights.

Closing Celebrations and New Additions

Day three saw the finale of several competitions, a highlight of which was the tuna cutting event organized by the Coastal Action Group of Fuerteventura. This not only showcased the fishing aspect of the fair but was also a unique culinary demonstration for the public. In addition to show cookings, participants engaged in various other activities until the event concluded with a closing ceremony led by the Cabildo president around 5:00 PM.

On the final day, the spirit of gratitude permeated the event. A communal barbecue was held to honor those dedicated to the primary sector, recognizing their efforts and contributions to Fuerteventura’s economy and culture.

The Inclusion of Fishing in Feaga

A distinctive feature of Feaga this year was the focus on the fishing sector. According to Matías Fidel, “this year, we not only have agriculture and livestock but also fishing.” The participation of fishing guilds, which had not been present in previous years, brought a new dimension to the fair.

The fishing-themed events included fish cutting demonstrations, informative talks, and educational stands that provided insight into the local fishing industry. Local fishermen, like Cecilio Hernández from the Morro Jable guild, emphasized their commitment to involving younger generations in fishing practices. They organized activities that taught attendees essential skills such as knot tying, vital for anyone interested in the fishing trade.

A Platform for Education and Heritage

Feaga serves not only as a celebration of Fuerteventura’s rich agricultural and fishing practices but also as an educational platform. It successfully engages visitors of all ages, encouraging interest in the primary sector. The fair reflects the community’s dedication to preserving their cultural heritage while promoting sustainability and modern techniques in agriculture and fishing.

With a record attendance of over 43,000 people and peak visitor numbers reaching 9,000 on certain days, Feaga 2023 proved to be a resounding success—a true testament to the island’s dynamic agricultural scene and its commitment to fostering community spirit through celebration and learning.