The annual gastronomy festival in the coastal town of Los Alcázares on the Costa Cálida proved to be an outstanding success this year, even after being hastily rearranged. Originally planned for October, the event was postponed due to flooding caused by Storm Alice, forcing organisers to rethink the schedule and layout at short notice. Despite these challenges, the reworked festival held on 14th-15th November attracted large crowds and showcased the town’s strong capacity for hosting cultural events.
Across the weekend, approximately 11,000 visitors flocked to Plaza Manuel Floreal, where participating establishments served an impressive 19,000 tapas. The figures highlight the continued popularity of the event, which drew about 2,000 first-time attendees. In addition, around 700 people joined the organised activities spread across three days, including guided routes, wine pairings and hands-on cooking workshops, all designed to highlight the region’s culinary identity.
The success of the event is particularly notable given the tight turnaround required to reorganise the programme. Adjustments had to be made to accommodate new dates, rebook participating venues and reshape the timetable, yet the weekend unfolded smoothly. Local authorities emphasised that the strong turnout reinforces Gastromar’s position as one of the most relevant gastronomic fairs in the Murcia region.
Traditional flavours in a seaside setting
For expats living in Spain – especially those based in the Murcia area – the festival offered an ideal chance to explore traditional flavours in a relaxed, seaside setting. Los Alcázares, known for its year-round appeal and well-developed tourism infrastructure, provided a lively stage for residents and visitors to immerse themselves in regional food culture. The festival atmosphere, combined with the mild November climate, made the event accessible and enjoyable for families, retirees and seasonal residents alike.
This year’s results underline the resilience and appeal of local food festivals, showing that even unexpected setbacks cannot dampen community interest. With high participation across both tastings and cultural activities, Gastromar continues to strengthen Los Alcázares’ reputation as a destination for quality culinary experiences. The enthusiasm shown suggests that future editions are likely to attract even larger and more diverse audiences, particularly among the international community looking to deepen their connection with life in southern Spain.