Dénia closes ninth D*na Festival Gastronòmic with packed crowds and eyes on 2027

The D*na Festival Gastronòmic returned to Dénia's seafront, along a stretch of more than 800 metres by the sea, for its ninth edition under a clear theme: how culinary knowledge is passed on between those who cultivate, fish, produce and cook. The event, which drew a notable number of visitors, featured Quique Dacosta as gastronomic curator.

Dacosta summed up the current moment of the festival with a reflection on its journey: «We reach the tenth anniversary with a consolidated festival, but with the obligation to keep improving». The chef also championed the role of those who work the land and sea, noting that their contribution «has as much to teach us as that of a great cook».

Adrià puts the finishing touch

Ferran Adrià brought the event to a close, taking the stage at the Mar Escenari to speak about how cooking in the home should be approached today, «in a world that has changed and in which we do not have time to spend hours cooking». The Catalan chef also used his appearance to praise the local culinary offering, describing Dénia as «one of the best places to eat in Spain» and encouraging its residents to feel «proud» of their cuisine.

Alongside Adrià and Dacosta, professionals including Paco Roncero, Óscar Molina, Paola Freire, Nazario Cano, Carolina Álvarez, Ausiàs Signes and José Manuel López took to the festival's kitchens, with the opportunity to exchange experiences with producers and craftspeople. Roncero particularly highlighted the festival's close character: «you have the chance to connect with people who simply love gastronomy».

Organisation and institutional support

The opening ceremony was attended by Dénia's mayor, Rafa Carrió, and regional councillor Marian Cano. The festival is promoted by the Fundación Dénia Ciudad Creativa de la Gastronomía and has the backing of Dénia Town Council, Turisme Comunitat Valenciana and the Costa Blanca Provincial Tourism Board. According to a source consulted, the Portuguese city of Matosinhos participated as a guest in this edition's workshops.

Organisers are already working on preparations for the tenth edition of the D*na, which will take place in 2027 and through which the festival will seek to continue a project that reinforces Dénia's position as a Creative City of Gastronomy, a distinction it has held from UNESCO since 2015.