Yucatán presents the second edition of this gastronomic festival, featuring internationally renowned events
"Sabores de Yucatán" will take place in the capital of the state from November 16th to 20th, 2023. The state will once again become the gastronomic epicentre of Mexico and the world with events like the Best Chef Awards and the World Brussels Contest (Concours Mondial de Bruxelles). Additionally, the Barra México event completes the trio of events that will take place within this Festival.
During the press conference, the Yucatán Ministry of Tourism Development (Secretaría de Fomento Turístico de Yucatán - SEFOTUR) presented the second edition of the "Sabores de Yucatán" Festival, which is once again poised to be one of the most significant gastronomic events in Mexico and the world. Yucatán will be hosting key players in the culinary industry who will gather in the state for The Best Chefs Awards, México Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and Barra México from November 16th to 20th in Mérida, the state capital.
For this second edition, Yucatán is gearing up to replicate the success of 2022, becoming the host of three major events that will once again establish the state as the gastronomic hub of Mexico and the world. The Yucatecan capital will welcome The Best Chefs Awards, which for the first time in its history is leaving Europe and being received by Yucatán from November 17th to 19th. This event will showcase the top 100 chefs in the world, fostering a sense of community and recognizing their achievements, while also serving as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, discussion of current topics, and debates on universal themes in the world of fine dining.
Likewise, from November 15th to 18th, the state will host the 7th edition of the México Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, an international championship dedicated to rewarding and promoting the finest wine products crafted by Mexican hands. This marks the first time that a non-wine-producing destination becomes the venue for an event of this magnitude. To date, the participation of judges from Spain, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, France, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Colombia, and Mexico has been confirmed.
Flavours Gastronomic Festival
Likewise, from November 17th to 19th, Barra México joins the "Sabores de Yucatán" Festival, an event aimed at enthusiasts of fine drinking as well as professionals in the industry who come together in a space for the exchange of knowledge and inspiration. The event showcases the latest global trends presented by national and international experts. This time, it comes in a special version that adapts to "Sabores de Yucatán," bringing a cocktail program divided into three main focuses: Seminars and workshops, a Cocktail Week in consumption centres throughout the city of Mérida, and an exhibition space featuring local brands from Yucatán.
During the press conference, Michelle Fridman Hirsch, head of Sefotur, who was accompanied by Baudoin Havaux and Carlos Borboa from the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles; German González Bernal from Canirac; and Paula García, co-founder of Barra México, pointed out that these events contribute to the social and economic development of the region. They not only attract and captivate new tourists but also support an industry as noble as gastronomy, which in turn drives the creation of new jobs and the strengthening of other industries such as agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
"In Yucatán, we have invested in the tourism industry. Governor Mauricio Vila has trusted in this vision of development and supported the initiatives we have implemented. Today, Yucatán offers infrastructure that caters to all types of travellers. Connectivity with the country's most important destinations has increased. We have world-class venues to host major events... And the 'Sabores de Yucatán' Festival is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary events you can find in this wonderful destination, where the grand natural landscapes captivate travellers, but the ancient cuisine enchants them. That's why we proudly embrace our culinary heritage to welcome the most discerning connoisseurs."
After the first edition of the "Sabores de Yucatán" Festival, it was demonstrated that the destination has established itself as a significant gastronomic benchmark, offering culinary diversity and authenticity. Over the course of three days, the Yucatecan capital hosted an extensive program of activities. During this time, attendees were able to enjoy spaces such as the "Mercadito Sabores," where local producers gathered and had the opportunity to showcase products made from endemic regional ingredients such as honey, habanero peppers, bitter orange, and henequen, among others. Additionally, there were 3 Gastronomic Routes where diners enjoyed their "gastronomic passport," allowing them to sample dishes from 21 emblematic Yucatán restaurants.
It's worth remembering that in 2022, the "Sabores de Yucatán" Festival played host and served as a prelude to one of the world's most important events, the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, which brought together the leading figures of international gastronomy in the White City of Mérida. They had the opportunity to take part in "Sabores de Yucatán" activities through direct experiences with the techniques and ingredients of ancient Mayan cuisine, or by actively participating in the creation of 6-hand dinners with local talents. This allowed travellers the chance to enjoy the flavours of haute cuisine.
Likewise, the industry's top stars, along with traditional cooks from the region, engaged in the exchange of knowledge and reflections on gastronomy, sharing their wisdom and flavours with over 12,000 people. Among these participants were students from the state and connoisseurs.
Yucatán, aside from being a major tourist destination, is a region that holds deep respect for nature, its culture, history, and gastronomy. It's a place of immense richness that undoubtedly adds flavour to Mexico and the rest of the world.
