Mayor Luis Barcala, Regional Tourism Secretary Francesc Colomer, and Repsol Directory director Mary Ritter unveiled, among others, on the Alicante Esplanade plans for events that will bring the ADDA law to life and connect the public with the city’s vibrant gastronomic scene.
The Central Market will host on Saturday, February 25 a cooking show where four Alicante restaurants will showcase a few signature dishes. Nou Manolí, Passage, Summer, and Moments will each present creations made with seasonal ingredients. The event runs from 10:30 to 14:00 in the market’s central classroom, offering attendees a direct taste of local products. Repsol Guide aims to elevate markets as everyday hubs of culinary life, blending tradition with modern gastronomy.
On Sunday, February 26 a traditional pilaf will be prepared for 1,500 attendees in the town square. Chef Moncho Riquelme and his team, renowned for their expertise with rice dishes, will lead the preparation. The dish centers on chicken, rabbit, and vegetables, reflecting regional flavors and communal dining culture that Alicante is proud to share.
Throughout the weekend, twenty extra activities will include helium balloons for families, wooden spoons, and paellero seafood envelopes crafted in honor of Alicante’s culinary heritage. A three-meter-tall ball honoring the Repsol Guide Suns award will illuminate the Explanada de España, formed from nine fiberglass pieces created by a local Alicante craftsman. The festival blends playful family moments with serious celebration of Spain’s top gastronomic talent.
Luis Barcala invited residents to join the festival in Alicante, describing it as Spain’s premier gastronomy festival and asserting that the city will showcase its status as a global hub for culinary excellence. He spoke of a celebration where Alicante becomes the capital of gourmet cuisine, highlighted by the Suns awards ceremony that signals a leap in the local gastronomy scene.
Francesc Colomer emphasized that Suns’ presentation is more than a premiere; it marks ongoing momentum for an industry that helps highlight daily events and elevates the status of regional gastronomy. He noted the profession’s dignity and importance, stressing that the food sector carries extraordinary value for society and tourism alike.
Mary Ritter underscored Repsol Guide’s intention to share with Alicantinos and visitors the city’s most important festival of Spanish gastronomy. The aim is for chefs across the country to feel recognized and welcomed into the Suns family this year, as their talents are celebrated on a national stage.
Jose Mancebo, President of the Costa Blanca Provincial Tourism Board, highlighted gastronomy as a major tourist draw for the province. Local chefs blend tradition with innovation using indigenous products, creating a culinary identity that positions the Costa Blanca as a premier gastronomic destination with high quality and international recognition.
Deputy Mayor Mari Carmen Sanchez echoed the Mayor’s message on the importance of bringing gastronomy closer to all residents and underscored its influence when choosing a travel destination. The festival stands as a testament to how food can unite communities and attract visitors seeking memorable culinary experiences.