Santa Cruz de Tenerife Named Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2027
Santa Cruz de Tenerife has been awarded the title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2027, enhancing its status as a premier culinary destination. This recognition highlights the city’s local produce and culinary talent, pivotal components of its tourism strategy.
The title was conferred by a jury made up of representatives from various organisations, including Hostelería de España, FIJET España, and the Ministry of Agriculture, among others.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez stated, “This recognition allows us to showcase a cuisine that reflects our history and the blend of cultures we have embraced over centuries.” He emphasized that Santa Cruz embodies a vibrant atmosphere featuring markets, Carnival, and hospitality, making shared dining an integral part of its identity.
Bermúdez added that the city’s proposal was framed around the concept of “El Recetario,” likening it to a traditional cookbook that outlines the destination’s strategy without being overly technical. This document aligns culinary strategies with seasonal activities throughout the year.
He expressed pride in succeeding Jerez de la Frontera as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, noting that Santa Cruz attracts over 3.4 million visitors annually, including tourists and cruise passengers, and aims to integrate gastronomy into their experiences.
Carmen Pérez, Chief Executive of the Development Society, who championed the project, said the designation acknowledges the contributions of the entire gastronomic ecosystem, including chefs, service staff, and local producers. She also indicated that 2027 would serve as a pivotal year for Santa Cruz, Tenerife, and the Canary Islands.
Pérez explained that the candidature was distinguished by its originality and strategic coherence, with the dossier designed like a cookbook titled “Recipes for Cooking the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2027.” Each chapter covers different aspects of the project, such as strategy, identity, and cultural values.
The proposal also featured a video intended to enhance the city’s presentation to the jury, reflecting a shared ambition for the title to foster city-wide engagement.
The Tourism Department of the Santa Cruz Development Society spearheaded the candidacy, supported directly by Mayor Bermúdez. Both officials described the initiative as a strategic investment in the city’s future, building on past efforts to promote gastronomy as a key identity and economic driver.
The project aims to activate various sectors throughout 2027, including hospitality, local markets, and cultural events, with plans tailored to available resources. Pérez highlighted that a dedicated management model would facilitate coordination among stakeholders, ensuring a successful and coherent execution of the planned activities.
Communication will play a vital role, presenting the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy not merely as an events schedule but as a branding opportunity enhancing visibility and attracting visitors.
The city plans to collaborate closely with Tenerife’s local government and the Canary Islands government to maximize the title’s potential, underlining the widespread institutional support garnered for the candidature.
The initiative is grounded in a set of values that encapsulate its philosophy: identity, authenticity, local produce, sustainability, collaboration, and cultural expression, reflecting a view of gastronomy that transcends mere dining.
In conclusion, Pérez stated that this honor offers a historic opportunity for Santa Cruz to celebrate its gastronomic sector and elevate Canarian products, aiming to present its culinary scene as a crossroads of flavours in 2027. The title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy is awarded annually by the Spanish Federation of Hospitality and the Spanish Federation of Journalists and Writers of Tourism, relying on expert evaluation of the submitted programmes.
