Constanza, a mountain town in the Dominican Republic, will celebrate the International Day of Paella with a gastronomic gathering called the "Reto de la Paella," or Paella Challenge, bringing together cooking enthusiasts around one of the world's best-known dishes.
The event will take place on September 19 at Moncarlo Restaurant, with organizers aiming to combine food, tradition and tourism by drawing on the natural attractions and agricultural richness that make Constanza one of the leading mountain destinations in the Dominican Republic.
The plans were announced by Carlos Matias Quesada, known as Carlucho, the owner of the restaurant and the promoter behind the initiative. He said the Paella Challenge was designed as an experience to be shared among family and friends, while also testing the creativity and culinary skill of participants as they prepare different versions of the dish.
A dish with local roots
Paella is a rice dish that originated in Spain and has become one of the country's most recognizable culinary exports worldwide. Constanza has long been home to families of Spanish descent, and Quesada said paella carries particular significance in the town because of that heritage.
He said paella also has its own history in Constanza, noting that some families have kept the tradition alive for generations. Quesada said the gathering was meant to celebrate that history, share it and keep it alive for younger generations.
He added that the initiative is intended to go beyond simply preparing the dish, becoming instead a space where different generations can come together, with food serving as a bridge between cultural roots and younger family members.
How to take part
Quesada said 20 tents have been arranged for this edition of the event. He urged families, groups and food lovers interested in taking part in the challenge to register in advance by calling 809-539-1312.
