Cerezales del Condado (León) - The Cerezales del Condado Neighbourhood Association has released the official programme for the 9th edition of “CAREA. A breeding ground of knowledge, breeds, and local products”. The event, which has established itself as an unmissable date in favour of rural life, will be held on the following days 16th and 17th May.
Located just 27 km from the capital of León, Cerezales del Condado transforms into a space for hundreds of people to come together throughout the weekend. Carea26 is born with the aim of sustaining the presence of Sierra Leone (Leonese Shepherd Dog) and promoting the consumption of local agri-food products. This initiative seeks to bring together professionals and individuals in an environment of learning, tradition and fun.
A programme for all the family
The fair offers a wide variety of activities that combine technical training with tradition.
- Training and the canine world: Talks, herding dog aptitude tests, conformation assessments and technical demonstrations.
- Culture and craftsmanship Shearing demonstrations, the presence of the León School of Spinners, and traditional music.
- Local gastronomy A local producers' market, tasting of shepherd's crumbs, and the now classic popular potato and meat meal.
Registrations and Access
True to its inclusive spirit, attendance at the fair is completely free. While access to the talks is free until capacity is reached, the practical workshop “Introduction to the game and sports tasks” (Saturday 16th) requires prior registration for those who wish to participate with their dogs (open to all breeds). Registration is now available on the official website: www.feriacarea.com.
Carea26 is, ultimately, an educational and recreational framework based on respect for animals and the maintenance of Leonese roots. The full detailed programme can be found on the organisation's website and social media.
PROGRAMME
Saturday 16 May: Pastoral training and culture
The opening day will take place in the setting of the Cerezales Antonino and Cinia Foundation (FCAYC). This first day will focus on dissemination and technical training, with a programme designed for both industry professionals and dog owners and lovers of rural culture.
- 12:00 – Roundtable discussionThe culture of shepherds. A necessary future.
An essential debate on the age-old balance between humans, livestock, and the land, featuring the participation of experts: Manuel Rodríguez Pascual (technical agricultural engineer, doctor of veterinary medicine, and author of Transhumance: culture, drovers' roads and journeys), Mª Carmen García (coordinator of the Andalusian Agrarian and Fisheries Management Agency), Carlos Javier Durá (Institute of Advanced Social Studies, IESA-CSIC) and Daniel Palet (textile engineer); under the moderation of Álvaro Álvarez Redondo (president of the National Association of Merino Cattle Breeders). - 14:00 – Lunch camper.
A break for rest and socialising within the grounds, where attendees can enjoy a traditional bollo preñado (a bread roll filled with chorizo) or artisan empanada in informal surroundings. - 16:30 h – Sheepdog aptitude test.
Outside the Foundation, this practical session will take place, aimed at professionals and individuals. It is an ideal opportunity for dogs of different characteristics to begin or perfect their instinct in flock management. - 18:00 – Talk-workshop: “Introduction to the game and sports tasks”.
Taught by Luis Alberto Barriguín “Barri” (ADCAN) and José Luis Prieto (CAREACAN). This dynamic workshop is open to dogs of all breeds and aims to foster a bond through sport.
(Note: Active participation requires prior online registration, although the general public will be able to attend as spectators of the training sessions.)
Sunday 17 May: The big day for traditions and local produce
From the 10:00, the activity moves to the Prado Carea (located at Travesía Benigno Villalobos Blanco), which will become the epicentre of the fair to welcome families, livestock farmers and visitors.
- 10:00 h – Opening and reception of native breeds.
Arrival of local breeders and their chalets with specimens of the Hispano-Breton horse, Merino sheep, Brown mountain cattle, and Zamorano-Leonese donkey, among others. Simultaneously, the Agri-food Producers' Market will open its doors, a space to discover and purchase the best local gastronomy. - 11:30 AM – Shepherd's crumb tasting.
The Cerezales del Condado Neighbourhood Association invites attendees to sample this iconic dish, prepared in the traditional way by expert hands.
- 12:00 – Morphological selection and assessments.
The Association of Breeders of the Leonese Shepherd Dog will coordinate the selective morphology and assessment trials. - 12:30 - Traditional shearing. The expert Tony González will perform a traditional shearing demonstration, explaining this ancient craft in detail.
- 13:30 h – Folklore with the County Tambourine School.
Traditional music will take centre stage with a display of the rhythms and tunes of our land. The school's pupils will liven up the midday, sharing with the audience the skills and popular repertoire they have recovered during the course.
- 13:45 – Lifetime Achievement Award: Luis Miranda and Paqui Martínez.
The most emotional moment. The Carea Fair will pay tribute to the work of Luis Miranda and Paqui Martínez. The author from León Julio Llamazares will present a commemorative gift to celebrate their commitment to the rural world in the preservation of the Leonese donkey and the area's pastoral traditions - 14:30 – Popular Lunch: Potatoes with meat.
A hearty traditional stew for the popular price of 10 euros. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Bar Cantina de Cerezales, on the official website, or on the day at the exhibition centre. - Musical Finale – Viridis Duo.
The crowning glory of this 9th edition will be the concert by Viridis Dúo. Their performance will mark the end of the day, celebrating the success of this meeting between the past, present, and future of our land.
About the Carea Fair
CAREA. Home of knowledge, breeds and local products, It is an innovation and dissemination project centered on pastoralism and local breeds, especially the Carea Leonés dog. Organised since 2016 by the Neighbourhood Council of Cerezales del Condado and its festival committee, it has the support of the Cerezales Antonino and Cinia Foundation, as well as specialised associations. Its aim is to promote rural spaces through training, livestock farming, and the local agri-food sector.
Following the success of its previous eight editions, Carea26 This new event aims to establish itself as a playful, educational, and inclusive space. The event is founded on mutual respect between animals and people, and strongly supports the recovery and maintenance of local traditions that define our identity.
More information, workshop registration and ticket purchase:
Web: http://www.feriacarea.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/feriacarea/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/feriacarea
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FeriaCarea