This July sees the return of the Tapas Route in La Laguna, establishing itself as a highly anticipated culinary event for both locals and visitors of the area. Now in its 16th edition, this event showcasing culinary talents will run from July 1 to 31. A total of 33 establishments have joined the celebration, offering a blend of traditional and avant-garde options.
The commercial sector is also actively engaged through a vibrant window display competition, known for its traditional richness, as highlighted by Estefanía Díaz, Councillor for Tourism and Commerce of the La Laguna City Council, during the event’s presentation. The event was graced by the presence of Abbas Moujir, President of the Federation of Urban Areas of the Canary Islands (FAUCA), and Iván Pérez, President of the Business Association La Laguna Commercial Zone (LLZC), both key figures driving this gastronomic initiative.
Estefanía Díaz expressed, “This serves as a luxury showcase to promote the city’s bars, cafes, and restaurants, allowing them to showcase their offerings and attract new customers. The timing couldn’t be better, coinciding with the festivities in honour of San Benito Abad, a widely loved celebration by the citizens, as proven by the participation of over 4,000 people in the last edition.” She further added, “This blend of gastronomy and culture creates a distinctive experience that will continue to boost commerce and enrich the cultural scene of La Laguna, as seen in previous editions.”
This year, tapas will be available at a fixed price of 4 euros, which includes a choice of drink like water, beer, or wine. This continues the pricing from the 2023 edition, where approximately 195,000 tapas were sold, generating a total sales volume of 780,000 euros. Additionally, customers can tour the various establishments and act as a jury, awarding three accolades – gold cap, silver cap, and bronze cap.
FAUCA President, Abbas Moujir, also emphasised the significance of this initiative, “which not only highlights the exceptional gastronomic offer in La Laguna but also ties it with the deeply-rooted cultural heritage of the area, creating a comprehensive experience within a unique historical setting.” He further mentioned, “This will help solidify the open commercial zone as a key player in the economic and socio-cultural revitalisation of the Archipelago,” stressing the importance of continued collaboration between public and private entities to drive initiatives like the Tapas Route, a highly anticipated gastronomic event during the summer that significantly supports the local restaurant sector.”
Iván Pérez, President of LLZC, commended the efforts of the business association in establishing La Laguna as a focal point for gastronomy and commerce in the Canary Islands. “This is achieved through tailored projects that meet current demands, alongside more enduring ones like this event, now a staple in the local entertainment calendar.” Pérez stated, “This positions us as leaders in fostering culture and economic activity,” expressing satisfaction with the commitment of member businesses to the various campaigns proposed, spanning catering, commerce, and services.
In addition to the Tapas Route in La Laguna, there is the San Benito Shop Window Competition scheduled between July 8 and 14, providing a visual treat for those strolling through the city, with colourful and traditional displays.
Similar to the Tapas Route, citizens can participate by voting through the La Laguna Commercial Zone APP. Furthermore, by uploading purchase receipts, they stand a chance to win a 100 euro gift voucher.
