Wednesday June 28
Yucatán, a land of rich flavors and culinary traditions, is set to host the second edition of the “Sabores de Yucatán” (Flavors of Yucatán) festival from November 16th to 20th, 2023. Once again, the state will become the gastronomic epicenter of Mexico and the world, featuring prestigious events such as the Best Chef Awards and the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles World Competition. Adding to the excitement, the renowned Barra México event will join the lineup, creating a trio of extraordinary experiences within the framework of this festival.
Mérida Gastronomic Destination
During a press conference held on June 27th, 2023, the Secretary of Tourism Promotion of Yucatán (Sefotur) unveiled the second edition of the Sabores de Yucatán festival, which promises to be one of the most significant gastronomic events in Mexico and beyond. The state will once again welcome key players from the culinary industry, including The Best Chefs Awards, México Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and Barra México.
November 16th to 20th, these events will take place in Mérida, the capital city of Yucatán.
In this second edition, Yucatán is prepared to replicate the success of 2022 by hosting three remarkable events that will firmly establish the state as a gastronomic powerhouse in Mexico and the world. Mérida will proudly host The Best Chefs Awards, which, for the first time in its history, will venture outside of Europe to present the world’s top 100 chefs. This event will foster community-building, honor culinary achievements, and serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, discussion of current topics, and exploration of universal themes in the world of fine dining.
November 15th to 18th, Yucatán will welcome the 7th edition of México Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
Concours Mondial de Bruxlles is an international championship dedicated to recognizing and promoting the finest Mexican wines. It is the first time that a non-wine-producing destination has been chosen as the venue for such a prestigious event. Esteemed judges from Spain, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, France, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Colombia, and Mexico have confirmed their participation.
November 17th-19th for Cocktail Enthusiasts
Joining the Sabores de Yucatán festival from November 17th to 19th is Barra México, an event tailored for cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. This gathering provides a space for knowledge exchange and inspiration, featuring presentations by national and international experts showcasing the latest global trends. For this special edition, Barra México will adapt its program to align with Sabores de Yucatán, offering a series of seminars, workshops, a Cocktail Week at various establishments in Mérida, and an exhibition space featuring local brands from Yucatán.
During the press conference, Michelle Fridman Hirsch, Secretary of Tourism Promotion, expressed how these events contribute to the social and economic development of the state. Not only do they attract new tourists, but they also support the noble industry of gastronomy, leading to job creation and the strengthening of agricultural, livestock, and fishing sectors.
“In Yucatán, we have embraced the tourism industry. Governor Mauricio Vila has supported our vision of development and implemented initiatives. Today, Yucatán offers infrastructure that caters to all types of travelers, and our connectivity with the most important destinations in the country has increased. We have world-class venues to host grand events… The Sabores de Yucatán festival is undoubtedly one of the most gastronomic festivals on the country.”