The XXIV edition of the Zaragoza Tapas Competition saw 168 culinary creations competing to win the title of the best tapa in the region.
A City Devoted to Tapas for 10 Days
For ten intense days, from November 8 to 18, the streets of Zaragoza and its province were transformed into an open-air gastronomic festival. Visitors and locals alike had the opportunity to taste an extraordinary variety of tapas, ranging from avant-garde creations to traditional delights, all celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the region.
This event, organized by Cafés y Bares de Zaragoza, holds a special place in Spanish culinary history as the oldest tapas competition in Spain. As José María Marteles Gracia, President of the organization, pointed out, the competition is not just about gastronomy; it also emphasizes the economic impact of the hospitality sector, its social role, and its potential as a tourist attraction, adding tremendous value to the city and province of Zaragoza.
With an estimated 60,000 tapas served, the competition was a resounding success. However, only 16 tapas made it to the final round after rigorous judging. On November 27, after an intense deliberation, “Tataki Baturro” from Casa y Tinelo was crowned the best tapa of Zaragoza.
An Unparalleled Opportunity
Organizing a city-wide gastronomic event of this scale is no easy task. It requires patience, dedication, and meticulous planning—values that define the essence of this competition.
To ensure fairness and creativity, the competition is divided into three categories:
- Aragonese Tapa – Highlighting local products from Aragón.
- Mediterranean Tapa – Representing Mediterranean cuisine and its cooking techniques.
- Original Tapa – Where innovation and creativity take center stage.
Finding a common framework that accommodates different establishments—from local taverns to fine dining restaurants—is a challenge. However, as Marteles explains, the competition constantly evolves to adapt to the diverse needs of participants.
This XXIV edition saw the highest level of participation in recent years, with 113 establishments competing, marking a 33% increase compared to the previous edition in 2017. A remarkable 46% of this year’s competitors participated for the first time, proving the enduring appeal and relevance of the event.
The Oldest Tapas Competition in Spain
“We proudly claim the title of Spain’s oldest official tapas competition, as it has been continuously organized by the same professional association since its inception,” states José María Marteles.
Zaragoza has long recognized gastronomy as a key strategic asset, and events like this one help reinforce the city’s status as a culinary destination.
According to Marteles, two key trends emerged in this year’s competition:
- “Trampantojo” tapas – Deceptive creations that look like one thing but taste like something completely different.
- Canelones (Cannelloni) – A traditional dish reimagined in innovative ways.
Although this edition is now in the books, anticipation is already building for next year’s event. Looking ahead to 2025, which marks the XXV edition, one of the main objectives will be expanding participation across the province.
With so much excitement and creativity, we eagerly await the next edition—when once again, Zaragoza will celebrate its rich culinary heritage through the art of tapas.
