Montanejos
8 de May de 2025
Sierra de Yeguas
30 de May de 2025
Valverde de Leganés
Extremadura
Valverde de Leganés is located in the west of Baja Extremadura, 24 kilometers from the provincial capital, Badajoz, and 12 kilometers from the judicial seat of the district, Olivenza. It is immersed in the area closest to the Portuguese border, close to the Piedra Aguda Reservoir. The layout of the town can be defined as irregular due to its location between the slopes of two hills: "La Pina" and "Los Mártires." At their lowest point, a stream known as "Arroyo de la Nave," also known as "Arroyo Bonal," runs through them.
The municipality
One of the main attractions of Valverde de Leganés is its natural surroundings. The town is surrounded by agricultural fields, olive groves, and extensive pastureland, which lends it great beauty and an air of authenticity. In the surrounding area, it's common to find several hiking trails and areas to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
In terms of its heritage, Valverde de Leganés preserves some interesting historical elements, such as the parish church of San Bartolomé, a unique project that began in 1569 with colossal plans, but wasn't completed until 200 years later, in a much more modest way. Furthermore, on the outskirts of town, towards Olivenza, within the beautiful La China estate, is the former Franciscan convent of Madre de Dios.
Local festivals also play a fundamental role in the lives of its inhabitants. Among the most notable are Easter Sunday, the Bartolos Festival, the August Fair, the White Night, and the festivities in honor of Christ of Mercy, among others. Of great importance are the two regional tourist festivals, such as Vive la Trashumancia and the Cheese Fair, as well as the Escape of the Devil, which attract numerous visitors and are essential for the preservation and promotion of the region's cultural heritage.
About the cheese and the cheese Fair
Cheese is one of the fundamental pillars of the gastronomy of Valverde de Leganés, a municipality whose cheesemaking tradition has become increasingly important over the years. The Artisan Cheese Fair has become a very important event, not only locally but also regionally, as it is a space for celebrating and highlighting this product so representative of the town's culture and identity. During the fair, local artisan cheese takes center stage, highlighting the dedication and care with which local producers make their cheeses.
The tasting notes of the region's artisan cheeses are a true reflection of the quality and care put into their production. When tasting the cheeses, you can identify aromas that vary from the mildest and most floral to the most intense and mature, depending on the type of milk used and the aging process. On the palate, textures range from the creamy smoothness of fresh cheeses to the density and firmness of more mature cheeses. Dairy and fresh grass notes are common in young cheeses, while more mature cheeses reveal more complex nuances, including hints of nuts, spices, and a characteristic aged flavor that, in many cases, combines with the smoothness and slightly spicy note characteristic of the region's goat or sheep cheeses.
The highlight of the fair is precisely this blend of tradition and modernity. Although the cheesemaking process is still based on artisanal techniques passed down from generation to generation, the Artisan Cheese Fair has also become a platform for knowledge exchange and innovation within the sector. Producers have the opportunity to share experiences, learn from each other, and improve the quality of their products.
