Mijas Pueblo has once again been buzzing to the rhythm of Latin music with the third edition of the Gastrolatino Festival, an event that ran from Thursday to Sunday and concluded with a high turnout. Over the course of four days, residents and visitors alike enjoyed a programme centred on cuisine, dancing and a festive atmosphere that brought the Plaza Virgen de la Peña to life.
- La Concejalía de Vía Púbica, en colaboración con Producciones Raíces, ha sido la encargada de poner en marcha esta iniciativa. |
- Mijas Comunicación.
The councillor for Public Space, Melisa Ceballos (PP), spoke highly of the reception given to this event, which on this occasion was held in Mijas Pueblo. “It’s wonderful to see people dancing salsa and enjoying not only the food but also Latin music”, she said, highlighting the collaboration with Producciones Raíces to offer “the best” of Latin culture, “with tributes to artists such as Marc Anthony and Carlos Vives”, she added.
Latino of the Year
One of the most moving moments on Saturday 20th of June was the presentation of the Latino of the Year award to Juan José García Cortés, co-owner of the restaurant La Terraza. Ceballos explained that “in this case, we wanted to give the award to Juan, who is undoubtedly someone who has dedicated more than 40 years to the hospitality industry”. This award was presented to him in recognition of “the dedication and warmth with which he has worked for everyone, especially for the people of Mijas”, added the councillor.
- Durante la noche del sábado 20, se entregó el reconocimiento al Latino del Año a Juan José García, copropietario del restaurante La Terraza. |
- Mijas Comunicación.
The co-owner of La Terraza, Pepi Moreno, accepted the award with emotion and gratitude. “It was very moving and well deserved because we’ve fought hard. We’ve been here for 29 years. They’ve been very difficult years, but we’ve persevered and we’re very happy”, she emphasised.
- Durante la noche del sábado 20, se entregó el reconocimiento al Latino del Año a Juan José García, copropietario del restaurante La Terraza. |
- Mijas Comunicación.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Rafael Urquiza, promoter of the event and director of Producciones Raíces, highlighted the festival’s inclusive nature. As he explained, “it is an initiative to showcase this event with everything that Latin culture stands for, but from a musical and gastronomic perspective”. Urquiza added that “from the moment you arrive, you’re breathing in an atmosphere of integration; you’re seeing Spanish culture within Latin culture”.
Consolidation of the festival
The audience also responded enthusiastically. Ingrid Celis, a festival-goer, said the atmosphere was “wonderful” and emphasised that events like this help many people reconnect with their roots. “It brings you together; it reminds you that a little piece of home is right here”, she remarked, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to share these moments in Mijas.
Ángel Osuna and María de Gracia also enjoyed the event, both the dancing and the food. Both highlighted the variety of flavours on offer at the festival: “We’ve enjoyed a lovely Colombian meal, absolutely delicious, and we also tried the Cuban sandwich, which is really tasty and quite filling”.
The 3rd Gastrolatino Festival thus brings another edition to a close, cementing its place as an event capable of bringing together diverse audiences around Latin culture.
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