When September arrives, the rice fields surrounding València —right in the Albufera— change their appearance.
They go from the lush summer green to golden hues and, after the harvest, to a brown shade that announces the rice cycle has ended.
It’s ready to become paella!
And the recipe is no coincidence.
The ancient inhabitants of the Albufera had everything at hand: freshly harvested rice, vegetables from the garden, local birds and rabbits, water from the lagoon, and firewood to cook it over a lively flame.
From this mix of ingredients from the Mediterranean Pantry was born the dish that today is a universal symbol of Valencian cuisine.
A whole day to talk about paella
Not by chance, on September 20, 2025, the eighth edition of the World Paella Day Cup will be held at La Marina, a gastronomic event that pays tribute to our world-famous dish.
The date coincides with the harvest and brings together chefs from around the globe, competing to show who cooks the best paella.
And the slogan makes it clear: “The world speaks paella,” a reminder that what started as a farm stew has become a universal language.
So much so that this year you’ll see twelve international chefs giving their all at the stoves.
And beware, the road to the final has been intense.
Throughout the year, six semifinals have been held in Uruguay, Colombia, Japan, Bulgaria, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
And the grand finale of the contest, of course, takes place in València!
First, there will be pair duels, and from there, the six winners will face off with a second recipe to claim the title.
The World Paella Day Cup is a celebration for everyone
Can you imagine watching the best chefs in the world cooking paellas live while you enjoy the smell of freshly made rice?
From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. you can follow the competition on a giant screen, and starting at 12:00 p.m. the real party begins, with paella portions at €5 and drinks at €2 at the Tinglado nº2 bars.
Because here you don’t just come to applaud, but also to fill your plate.
See you at La Marina?
You can see that coming to celebrate the World Paella Day Cup is much more than eating rice.
It’s about recognizing that the Mediterranean Pantry has the power to cross borders, spark interest, and connect cultures that otherwise would never sit at the same table.
On September 20, your plan is set — are you joining?
