The third edition of the Autentico Culinary Festival brought together restaurants, bars, chefs, and culinary students to celebrate Aruba’s culinary heritage through traditional dishes and authentic local flavors. The event also gave local talent an opportunity to showcase their skills and share Aruban cuisine with residents and visitors.
Gemey Zara, PR and Corporate Communications Specialist at the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.), said this year’s festival took place at The Pavilion. She explained that the event brings the local community and visitors together to experience the island’s diverse culinary offerings.
“We are very happy to organize this event once again, bringing together not only our local community but also our visitors to celebrate different flavors and traditional, authentic dishes. This shows that Aruba has a very diverse culinary offering,” Zara said.
Zara added that the A.T.A. invites various participants each year, including restaurants and bars, to register for the festival. She also thanked the vendors, chefs, students, schools, and partners who helped organize the event, recognizing their contributions to making this edition a success.
Zulaine Francees, a culinary student at EPI College, said her group prepared several dishes and products to present and sell during the festival. Their offerings included keshi yena, wraps, goat croquettes, and conch ceviche.
Francees explained that the group prepared the food at school, spending approximately one week getting everything ready for the event.
She welcomed the opportunity to showcase their work and let visitors sample the dishes they prepare as part of their culinary training. Participating in the festival, she said, allows students to share Aruba’s culinary culture while demonstrating the knowledge and skills they are developing at school.
Francees also thanked the chef, teacher, and other school staff members who guided and supported the group throughout the preparation process and during the festival. She noted that the experience gives students a chance to learn more and apply their culinary knowledge in a practical setting outside the classroom.
By bringing together culinary professionals and students, the Autentico Culinary Festival celebrates Aruba’s diverse flavors while highlighting the local talent helping preserve and develop the island’s culinary culture.
