At 13:45 today in La Marineta, the winner of the World Paella Day Cup will be announced.
The shortlist of finalists was announced at the Mestalla stadium last week. Director of Tourism at the Ayuntamiento, Emiliano Garcia told The Valencian that paella started as a communal meal for labourers in the fields and that this tradition continues today. “Paella is synonymous with family, friends and fraternity”, he explained.
The five semi-finals are taking place as we go to press and countries will face off for a place in the final at 12:00, with the winner being announced at 13:45. The cup will be awarded at 14:00.
Unsurprisingly, Spain is a firm favourite but other nations such as Uruguay, Costa Rica and the United States of America are all expected to fare well.
There’s still time to get down there but hurry, the paellas are not expected to be displayed for long because hundreds of hungry rice lovers are waiting for their share.
UPDATE: And The Shock Winner Of The World Paella Day Cup Is…
Spain has won the World Paella Day cup!
In a tightly judged final, Noelia Pascual, from Cachito restaurant in Alicante has beaten off entrants from Costa Rica, China, Uruguay and the United States, whose entrant Natalie Curie finished in second place.
Pascual, a native of Alicante, opted for arroz a lo pobre, made up of rice, onion, potato and cod in the semifinal, but went out all guns blazing in the final with a typical paella from Alicante made with rabbit and snails.
“rice must be dry, whole, cooked, loose and with flavour” and Noelia Pascual hit all of the right notes with her delicious offering.
Levante newspaper reported that one member of the judging panel, Jesús Merelo stated, “rice must be dry, whole, cooked, loose and with flavour” and Noelia Pascual hit all of the right notes with her delicious offering.
World paella Day will continue in Valencia for more days and will finish on 26 September.
For information on upcoming events during the festival go to www.worldpaelladay.org
