A platform for gastronomy, innovation, and talent
During a full week completely dedicated to gastronomy, from October 3 to 11, the third edition of the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival brought together the community, visitors, and culinary industry professionals to celebrate the diversity, authenticity, and quality of Aruba’s culinary scene.
Autentico consisted of five components: Restaurant Week, Bucket List Experiences, Industry Seminar, Student Seminar, and the main festival known as The Pavilion, offering unique experiences for consumers, professionals, and future industry talent. The different components contributed to a single goal: highlighting the richness, diversity, and quality of Aruba’s culinary offerings, while strengthening the island’s positioning as a leading culinary destination both regionally and internationally.
During the two-day festival, over 50 food and beverage vendors gathered to present unique recipes and concepts. Approximately 4,000 residents and visitors attended The Pavilion to enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience, discovering flavors and traditions that each, in their own way, represented Aruba’s culinary identity.
Strengthening knowledge and excellence in our culinary industry
However, Autentico is much more than a food festival. Over 125 young students participated in a special seminar tailored just for them. Local industry professionals shared their knowledge and experience while inspiring the youth, creating meaningful opportunities for them to connect with the sector.
The Industry Seminar also brought together over 100 gastronomy and hospitality professionals, including restaurant owners. This initiative created an important platform for sharing knowledge, promoting innovation, and strengthening collaboration across the sector.
The Industry Seminar featured contributions from internationally renowned experts. Sian Young shared her expertise on food waste management and sustainable practices. Lindsey Peckham, with extensive hospitality experience, presented on delivering exceptional customer service and building strong teams. Additionally, Werner Loens, former director and head inspector of the MICHELIN Guide Benelux, shared valuable insights on how restaurants can elevate their quality and position themselves on the international stage. The festival also welcomed Virgilio Martínez, a world-renowned chef recognized as one of the best globally, who shared his extraordinary journey and conducted a live culinary demonstration.
“Autentico is much more than an event; it is an investment in the future of our culinary product. By bringing international-caliber experts to Aruba, we create opportunities to share knowledge, inspire excellence, and strengthen our position as a world-class culinary destination. We are proud of what we have achieved together with our culinary community,” stated Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority.
Interactive experiences at The Pavilion
One of the valuable additions to this year’s edition was the variety of interactive activities offered at The Pavilion. Local and international talents led cooking classes and mixology sessions, allowing participants not only to enjoy different creations but also to learn directly from chefs and beverage experts. These activities added depth to the festival experience, fostering interaction between the public and professionals while creating educational and memorable moments.
Additionally, the program featured interactive games in Papiamento that shared Aruba’s culinary history and brought authentic local characters to life. These activities combined learning, culture, and entertainment, creating engaging experiences for visitors of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest.
A thank you to everyone who made Autentico possible
A.T.A. extends its gratitude to all food and beverage vendors, international and local talent, and all staff members who worked tirelessly to make the festival a resounding success. Thank you to everyone who shared their talent, passion, and love for gastronomy, pouring their heart into every recipe and serving every visitor with a smile.
Special thanks go to Colegio EPI and EPB, as well as the teachers and students who attended the seminar and actively participated during the festival with their own booth. With great enthusiasm, creativity, and talent, they demonstrated the skills the next generation of gastronomy and hospitality professionals has to offer. A.T.A. also thanks all volunteers and students for their support during the festival—guiding visitors, answering questions, and assisting throughout the event—contributing significantly to a positive experience for all attendees.
Furthermore, A.T.A. thanks all collaborators who assisted in organizing and executing every component of Autentico, especially Elite Productions & Entertainment. To everyone who attended the festival, your enthusiasm and ongoing support are what make Autentico increasingly successful year after year. Thank you!
Finally, A.T.A. expresses its heartfelt gratitude to its team, who worked with dedication, passion, and creativity to turn every aspect of Autentico into a reality. From initial planning to final execution, their commitment and perseverance contributed significantly to the festival’s success and to our mission of promoting Aruba as an outstanding culinary destination. Thank you very much!
