**No Paella Left Behind in the 2024 Paella Contest**
**By Luisa Rosas**
If you’ve ever pondered what happens when you blend a competitive spirit with delectable food and fine wine, look no further than the Dr. Ramón García Ocejo Paella Contest. Held on August 18, 2024, at Viña de Liceaga as part of the XXXIV Fiestas de la Vendimia, this event epitomizes the fusion of paella-making and pageantry—Ensenada style. With over 2,500 attendees, it turned out to be the talk of the town, or should we say, the taste of the town?
Imagine a balmy summer afternoon surrounded by the rolling vineyards of Baja California, shaded by ancient oak trees. Add to that 160 different wines from 84 wineries, live music, and 90 teams determined to create the perfect paella. If that doesn’t scream “perfect day,” we don’t know what does.
The Fiestas de la Vendimia are more than just an occasion for indulging in wine and paella; they celebrate Ensenada’s rich culture and deep-rooted traditions. The Paella Contest, organized by Provino Baja California, brings together locals and tourists alike to enjoy the fruits of the region’s labor—literally.
**The Competition Heats Up**
Making paella isn’t just about tossing some rice and seafood in a pan; these 90 teams take their craft seriously, preparing their paellas with the same intensity as a chef on a cooking show—minus the dramatic background music. The rules? Simple: cook the paella in the same-sized pans, with the same amount of rice, and over an open flame. The catch? Impress a panel of judges from the Asociación Gastronómica y de Paelleros de Baja California, A.C. (AGAPE) with the best color, appearance, flavor, and texture. No pressure, right?
A color-coded system kept everything anonymous and fair. Paellas were graded not only on taste but also on presentation. After all, you eat with your eyes first, and nothing looks more appetizing than a perfectly golden paella glistening in the sun.
**And the Winners Are…**
Let’s get to the juicy part: the winners. In the “Quality” category, first place went to San Sebastián, followed by Martes de Ricos and Pacífica at Ensenada Bay in second and third places, respectively. Los Jacaleros clinched the top spot for Presentation, with Vivencias and Tía Margarita rounding out the top three.
Aside from bragging rights, winners took home trophies, wine, and, of course, paella pans—because you can never have too many. They also received stylish aprons, t-shirts, and hats, making it clear who the real paella masters are. Thanks to sponsors like Banco Afirme and Distribuidora La Canasta, the winners also received promotional goodies and vouchers totaling 14,000 pesos—a lot of paella ingredients indeed.
**Music, Fun, and Family**
The Paella Contest was more than just food and competition. It was a full-blown fiesta with live music on two stages. DJ Robbie Solis kept the energy high with electronic beats, while Ovejas Negras took us back with classic rock in both English and Spanish. La Gran Familia ensured everyone was dancing for five hours straight—perfect to offset all that paella.
For the younger crowd and the young at heart, there were workshops in arts and mural painting led by Prisma Academy, along with a pétanque game hosted by the Mexican Pétanque Federation. It’s not every day you get to throw metal balls around while your parents sip wine and enjoy gourmet rice dishes.
**The Grand Finale**
And just when you thought the day couldn’t get any better, there was a raffle. Courtesy of the Baja California Sur Tourism Promotion Trust, one lucky attendee won a package for two, including round-trip tickets from Tijuana to Loreto, four nights at La Misión Hotel, dinner at Raíz Restaurant, and a tour of Bahía Loreto National Park. Now that’s what we call a grand finale!
As the 34th edition of the Paella Contest concluded, it was evident that the event successfully showcased the best of Ensenada’s food, wine, and culture. The only downside? Waiting another year to do it all over again.
In the meantime, don’t fret—there’s no bad news here, only good times and great food. Cheers to that!
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**Related News:**
**The Culinary Delight of Spain: Paella Competition in Barcelona Draws Food Enthusiasts**
In a similar spirit of culinary celebration, Barcelona recently held its annual paella competition, drawing food enthusiasts from around the globe. Held in the picturesque setting of Park Guell, the event featured 75 teams from various regions of Spain. Live music, traditional dance performances, and a grand parade added to the festival’s allure. Josep Puig from Valencia took home the grand prize for his traditional Valencian paella, loved for its robust flavor and impeccable presentation. The event, sponsored by local businesses and international culinary brands, reinforced the universal appeal of this cherished Spanish dish.
Stay tuned for more on culinary adventures from around the world!