Varadero Gourmet International Festival 2025 celebrates culinary fusion with Cuban soul
Under the theme, “Flavors without borders: The magic of fusion cuisine with Cuban soul,” this edition focuses on highlighting the combination of cultural influences that enrich the national cuisine.
Posted by Cristian Rojas, September 11, 2025
The Varadero Gourmet International Festival, an event that goes beyond its culinary nature to become an essential space for meeting, innovation, and celebration of Cuba’s gastronomic identity, kicked off its 15th edition at Plaza América, the Convention and Shopping Center.
During the opening ceremony, Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Adalberto Venero Lemus, stated that this is an event whose main objective is to internationalize the country’s culinary traditions. He stated that, “It is the indigenous experiences that international tourism demands”.
He added that the opportunity to bring together best practices and share them with foreign visitors is one of the elements that makes Cuba a unique destination given its culture, traditions and people.
Likewise, Lázaro Darién Casabella Hernández, general manager of the Palmares Extra-Hotel Enterprise and chair of the Festival’s organizing committee, explained the extensive agenda: “During the coming days, we will witness competitions, conferences, culinary demonstrations, pairings and other activities. A gastronomic journey where the only requirement is an adventurous palate”.
Casabella Hernández emphasized that in this edition, “We are innovating once again with a special event: we are proud to announce that the First International Franchise Workshop, organized by our company Palmares, will be held here in parallel, recognizing that gastronomy is also an economic driver and a way to export culture and our history.”
Under the motto, “Flavors without borders: The magic of fusion cuisine with Cuban soul,” this edition focuses on highlighting the combination of cultural influences that enrich the national cuisine.
Up until Saturday, September 13, Plaza América will welcome chefs, entrepreneurs, academics, and lovers of good food with the common goal of elevating the quality of gastronomic services and promoting the use of local products in sustainable cuisine.
With the support of the Ministry of Tourism, the Cubasol Group and Palmares, the festival consolidates its position as a key platform for forging alliances and presenting Varadero as an excellent MICE and gastronomic destination, committed to healthy and responsible offers.
