Herencia will host a special event on Sunday, June 28, in Quhesalia to celebrate Sheep Herder Day. This event aims to recognize the historical significance of sheep herding in the town and its direct connection to the cheese-making culture of the municipality. The program will include an open day at the Cheese Interpretation Center, followed by a live cooking demonstration featuring local products, led by chef Iván Anaya.
The activity seeks to pay tribute to a way of life that has shaped Herencia’s identity for generations. Sheep herding, cheese production, and the utilization of agrifood products are part of a shared memory that remains deeply embedded in the community, both culturally and economically.
Open Day at Quhesalia
The day’s activities will kick off in the morning, starting at 11:00 AM, with free admission to Quhesalia. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Cheese Interpretation Center and learn about a profession that is deeply rooted in Herencia.
Quhesalia provides insights into the process linking the work of shepherds, traditional livestock farming, and the production of one of the municipality’s most representative products. In a town with such a close relationship with cheese, this event offers a chance to reflect on the past while also appreciating the present of a sector that continues to play a vital role in Herencia’s culinary landscape.
Sheep Herder Day is not just a symbolic celebration; it also highlights the importance of those who have made the countryside, livestock, and artisanal production a way of life. Their work has left a mark on customs, family economics, and many habits that are still part of the local identity.
The Councilor for Rural Development, M.ª Eugenia Díaz-Pacheco, emphasized this recognition, stating, “With Sheep Herder Day, we aim to honor the way of life of our ancestors and underscore their profession and lifestyle, while once again showcasing cheese, our flagship product.”
Live Cooking with Iván Anaya
The evening program will continue at 9:30 PM in the Quhesalia esplanade, featuring a live cooking demonstration focused on local products. The showcooking will be led by chef Iván Anaya, a Herencia resident and winner of the Best Tapas award at the Official Tapas and Pinchos Championship held in Madrid Fusion in January 2025.
Anaya’s presence reinforces the connection between tradition and contemporary cooking. The goal is to show how local products can be reimagined through culinary creativity while maintaining their local roots. Attendees will enjoy live-prepared dishes that highlight the value of Herencia’s raw ingredients.
The evening will also feature a musical performance by Duo Appassionato, creating a night designed as a meeting point for culture, gastronomy, and local talent. The choice of Quhesalia as the venue enhances the symbolic nature of the event, bringing together a tribute to herding, the promotion of cheese, and live cooking.
Tickets on the Municipal App
Tickets for the showcooking will be priced at 6 euros and will be available starting Friday, June 19, at 11:00 AM via the municipal app of the Herencia Town Hall.
For those needing assistance with the purchasing process, the Town Hall will provide the Digital Inclusion Point at the Municipal Library. Assistance will be available by appointment at the phone number 661 990 450, offering personalized help to acquire tickets.
This initiative combines several objectives: acknowledging the pastoral heritage of the municipality, bringing Quhesalia closer to the public, promoting cheese as a standout local product, and offering a gastronomic experience linked to the territory. On a day dedicated to herding, Herencia revisits its roots from a cultural and participatory perspective.
Thus, Sheep Herder Day becomes an occasion to remember professions, share knowledge, and enjoy local cuisine. It also serves as a way to express gratitude for the legacy of those who have contributed to building an essential part of Herencia’s identity through their daily work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sheep Herder Day celebrated in Quhesalia?
The special day will be held on Sunday, June 28, with activities in the morning and evening.
Will the visit to Quhesalia be free?
Yes. Quhesalia will open its doors with free entry starting at 11:00 AM.
How can tickets for the showcooking be purchased?
Tickets will cost 6 euros and will be available from Friday, June 19, at 11:00 AM on the municipal app. Those needing assistance can make an appointment at the Digital Inclusion Point by calling 661 990 450.
Spanish post in Herencia celebra el Día del Pastor con queso, cocina y tradición en Quhesalia
