The Concello de Ames has unveiled the sixth edition of the Monte Fair, known as Tanto Monte, which will be held on 14 and 15 November at the Trasmonte parish festival grounds. The fair aims to highlight the value of Galician forests and revive crafts associated with them.
This year, the event will feature 29 exhibitors showcasing a variety of products, including leather goods, honey, cheeses, Celta pig products, artisanal ceramics, sustainable forestry solutions, mushrooms, paper art, oils, wool products, liqueurs, necklaces, baskets, hats, forestry machinery, wooden crafts, artisanal goat cheeses, natural cosmetics, rush weaving, autumn sweets, and high-mountain flower honey. Additionally, there will be exhibitors focusing on traditional attire and cubeiros, a type of traditional Galician basket.
The fair will also introduce Monte Miúdo, a new initiative aimed at children, offering a range of activities designed to engage young attendees with the natural world. Organised by the Concello, the event will include traditional games, workshops, and a treasure hunt themed around wolves, led by the Asociación de Amigos del Lobo.
The event will take place over two days, with opening hours on Saturday from 11:00 to 19:30 and on Sunday from 11:00 to 15:00. The fair has become a staple of the autumn programme in Ames, gradually expanding its offerings since its inception.
Blas García, the mayor and tourism councillor, emphasised the importance of the fair in showcasing the cultural identity of the Concello. He stated, "This fair is part of our cultural heritage and serves as an intergenerational meeting point, blending tradition with the future of Ames and neighbouring areas." He also highlighted the economic benefits of the fair, noting that many exhibitors are local residents who benefit from increased visibility for their businesses.
Javier Antelo, the councillor for natural resource management and rural affairs, noted that the fair has successfully included more exhibitors this year, thanks to a larger tent space and increased interest from participants. He reaffirmed the commitment to hold the fair in Trasmonte, ensuring that rural areas also have the opportunity to host significant events.
In addition to the exhibitors, the fair will feature gastronomic offerings, including traditional dishes served by local vendors. The pulpería Guerra will provide octopus, meat dishes, and other local delicacies, while the Asociación de Vecinos de Trasmonte will offer free roasted chestnuts.
Activities will include workshops on traditional crafts, music performances, and a mushroom exhibition with a talk by Jaime Blanco from the Asociación Brincabois. The fair aims to foster community spirit and pride in local traditions, encouraging residents and visitors alike to engage with the rich cultural heritage of Ames.
