Catalonia’s Distinction as World Gastronomy Region 2025
Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, has become the first European region to receive the prestigious title of World Gastronomy Region 2025, granted by the International Institute for Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT). The Delegation of the Catalan Government in Mexico and Centroamérica, Prodeca, and La Naval have joined forces to celebrate this achievement with the “Festival of Catalonia in Mexico,” under the theme “Som Catalan Food.”
Who is LLeïr Daban and Why is He Relevant?
LLeïr Daban, the Catalan government’s delegate in Mexico, is a key figure in promoting Catalonia’s gastronomy internationally. He explains that throughout the year, especially in May, various activities will be organized to promote Catalan cuisine and commemorate the distinction awarded by IGCAT. Daban emphasizes that Catalan gastronomy is not only a source of enjoyment but also promotes healthy eating, specifically the Mediterranean diet.
The Festival of Catalonia in Mexico: A Gourmet Experience
The festival, running throughout May, will feature diverse experiences and activities to introduce the public to Catalonia’s rich culinary scene. Attendees can explore Catalan wines, gourmet products, traditional meat products, Mediterranean seafood preserves, and the classic Catalan vermouth.
- The festival will take place across eight La Naval gourmet stores in Mexico City, showcasing over 47 brands and 300 gourmet products, including wines, cavas, chocolates, pastries, oils, vinegars, mineral water, gluten-free products, and more.
- Each store will feature 140 new products, offering a wide range of Catalan culinary delights.
Tasting Tuesdays: A Sensory Experience
The festival proposes a series of experiences with tastings and product samplings of Catalan gourmet items. These events will occur every Tuesday at various locations, promoting some of Catalonia’s most prestigious 12 Denominations of Origin (D.O.), such as DO Catalunya, DOQ Priorat, DO Penedès, DO Costers del Segre, and DO Cava.
Throughout May, starting at noon, attendees can enjoy the traditional vermouth hour at La Quilla restaurant within the La Naval store in Insurgentes. Vermouth, a popular ritual in Catalonia, is typically served with ice, soda, an olive, and an orange slice.
These experiences target buyers, importers, distributors, specialized media, and the general public.
Catalonia as World Gastronomy Region 2025: Significance and Impact
This recognition from IGCAT highlights Catalonia’s exceptional agroalimentary and culinary heritage, establishing it as an international benchmark. The distinction acknowledges Catalonia’s status as a top-tier gastronomic destination and an innovative territory that links its food heritage with sustainability, quality, and social cohesion.
The World Gastronomy Region title provides a unique opportunity to position Catalan gastronomy as a crucial element in the country’s cultural identity and global projection. This recognition is given to regions demonstrating an integrated strategy to promote their gastronomy as a driver for economic, tourism, and cultural development.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is LLeïr Daban? LLeïr Daban is the delegate of the Catalan government in Mexico, responsible for promoting Catalonia’s gastronomy internationally.
- What is the significance of Catalonia being named World Gastronomy Region 2025? This recognition highlights Catalonia’s exceptional agroalimentary and culinary heritage, establishing it as an international benchmark. It acknowledges Catalonia’s status as a top-tier gastronomic destination and an innovative territory that links its food heritage with sustainability, quality, and social cohesion.
- What activities are part of the Festival of Catalonia in Mexico? The festival includes tasting events, product samplings, and a sensory experience called “Tasting Tuesdays,” promoting Catalonia’s prestigious Denominations of Origin. Additionally, attendees can explore Catalan culinary delights at La Naval gourmet stores across Mexico City.
