The main event took place this morning in the Plaza Mayor of Catarroja, one of the municipalities hardest hit by last year’s torrential rains. The symbolic location was chosen to highlight the resilience of local communities, the commitment of the hospitality sector, and the cultural and emotional value of tapas as a way of life in Spain.
Tapas as a Cultural Identity and Act of Solidarity
For this year’s edition, paella and other rice-based tapas were chosen as gastronomic ambassadors. According to a recent survey by Hostelería de España, 90% of diners appreciate being served rice or paella as a tapa, with Valencian paella (42.1%) being the top favorite, followed by seafood rice (36.8%) and the mixed version (34.2%).
More than 38% of bars include a tapa of paella or rice free with drinks, usually paired with beer — the preferred beverage for almost 36% of consumers. The tapa is also a popular choice during special events (38.9%), weekends (20.4%) or even daily (27.8%) in many establishments.
“A tapa, even as small as it is, carries with it a story, creativity, and territory. It is a lifestyle that only exists in our country,” stated Susi Díaz, chef and president of Saborea España.
An Act with a Human Face
The celebration brought together leading representatives of the Spanish culinary and tourism sectors, including Susi Díaz, José Almeida (President of Hostelería de España), Manuel Espinar (President of the Hospitality Federation of Valencia), Rosario Sánchez (Secretary of State for Tourism), Israel Martínez (General Director of Tourism for the Valencian Government), and Lorena Silvent, Mayor of Catarroja.
The group also visited two local businesses severely affected by the DANA: La Artesana and Gu2, in a show of empathy and support for recovery efforts within the hospitality industry.
“Hospitality is a sector rooted in solidarity and commitment. From day one, it has stood by the professionals in Valencia,” said José Almeida.
Government Support and the Launch of Reinicia +FOCIT DANA
During the event, Secretary of State Rosario Sánchez announced a new funding initiative: Reinicia +FOCIT DANA, offering €200 million in zero-interest loans with a 10-year repayment period, available to the 74 municipalities impacted by the DANA. The program is expected to expand to other regions interested in investing in the reconstruction of these territories.
“Tapas, the hallmark of our cuisine, gain international relevance today thanks to activations across all Spanish Tourism Offices worldwide,” Sánchez emphasized.
A Digital Tribute: The “Paella Lover” Solidarity Diploma
Saborea España is also inviting the public to download a symbolic “Paella Lover” diploma from the official website, www.diamundialdelatapa.es, available until June 30. The diploma includes the official recipe for Valencian paella, endorsed by Saborea España and Saborea Cullera, offering people a meaningful way to show their support and appreciation for this iconic dish.
Celebrating the Best Local Tapa in Valencia
The event also served as the official presentation of the winner of the 6th edition of the Best Local Tapa of the Valencian Community, organized by CONHOSTUR. The award went to the “Bunyol de l’Albufera de València”, a savory fritter created by chef Pablo Margós, which is now available at Pelayo Gastro Trinquet in Valencia.
A round table followed the presentation, highlighting the tapa’s role as a cultural and tourism asset. Valencia’s Tourism Councillor, Paula Llobet, noted:
“Gastronomy is a key pillar of our tourism model and a reflection of sustainability through Mediterranean produce and km-zero cuisine. Saborea Valencia positions our culinary identity as an engine for economic recovery, especially after the difficult times we’ve faced.”
A Celebration that Crosses Borders
Since its launch in 2012, World Tapas Day has become an essential annual event for showcasing Spanish gastronomy. This year, thousands of bars and restaurants across Spain are participating in local tapa routes, organized by provincial hospitality associations and individual venues, all listed on the website.
Internationally, Saborea España is leading the promotion of tapas abroad, with activations in numerous countries and a major event this year in Paris, reinforcing the tapa’s status as a symbol of Spanish hospitality, creativity, and shared experience.
World Tapas Day 2025 is made possible thanks to the support of Mahou-San Miguel, Solán de Cabras, Unilever Food Solutions, Knorr, and Somos Música.
