### No Paella Left Behind in the 2024 Paella Contest
**BY LUISA ROSAS**
If you’ve ever pondered what unfolds when culinary excellence meets fierce competition, wonder no more. The Dr. Ramón García Ocejo Paella Contest, hosted on August 18, 2024, at Viña de Liceaga as part of the XXXIV Fiestas de la Vendimia, embodies this perfect blend. This event, a cornerstone for food lovers in Ensenada, captivated over 2,500 attendees, turning heads and tantalizing taste buds.
**The Setting**
Imagine a warm summer day in Baja California, enveloped by rolling vineyards and ancient oak trees. Now layer in 160 types of wines from 84 wineries, live music, and 90 passionate teams vying to craft the ultimate paella. This isn’t just an event; it’s Ensenada’s gastronomic festival at its finest.
**About the Fiestas de la Vendimia**
More than just a wine and food extravaganza, the Fiestas de la Vendimia celebrates Ensenada’s deep cultural heritage and traditions. Organized by Provino Baja California, the Paella Contest attracts both locals and tourists eager to savor the region’s finest.
**The Competition**
Contrary to what some might think, making paella isn’t simply about mixing rice and seafood. These 90 teams demonstrated extraordinary dedication, preparing their dishes with the precision of master chefs. The rules? Simple yet challenging: cook the paella in uniform pans with a set amount of rice over an open flame. The twist? Impress a panel of culinary experts from the Asociación Gastronómica y de Paelleros de Baja California, A.C. (AGAPE) with superior color, appearance, flavor, and texture.
Judges employed a color-coded system to ensure anonymity and fairness. Paellas were assessed not only for their taste but also for their visual appeal. After all, a luminous, golden paella shimmering in the sun is hard to resist.
**The Winners**
Drum roll, please. In the “Quality” category, first place was awarded to San Sebastián, followed by Martes de Ricos, and Pacífica at Ensenada Bay. For “Presentation,” Los Jacaleros clinched the top spot, with Vivencias and Tía Margarita rounding out the top three.
Victory brought more than just bragging rights. Winners took home trophies, wine, and, naturally, paella pans. They also received chic aprons, t-shirts, and hats—the ultimate badge of culinary prowess. Thanks to sponsors like Banco Afirme and Distribuidora La Canasta, the triumphant teams also walked away with promotional goodies and vouchers totaling 14,000 pesos. That’s a lot of premium paella ingredients.
**More Than Just Food**
The event was not merely about the food. It was a lively celebration featuring live music on two stages. DJ Robbie Solis electrified the atmosphere with his beats, Ovejas Negras delivered nostalgic rock numbers, and La Gran Familia kept the crowd dancing for five hours.
For the younger attendees, the contest offered arts and mural workshops by Prisma Academy and a pétanque game hosted by the Mexican Pétanque Federation. It provided a unique opportunity for kids to indulge in playful activities while their parents enjoyed the feast.
**The Grand Finale**
Capping off the event, a raffle sponsored by the Baja California Sur Tourism Promotion Trust gifted one lucky attendee with a travel package to Loreto. The grand prize included round-trip tickets, accommodation at La Misión Hotel, dinner at Raíz Restaurant, and a tour of Bahía Loreto National Park.
As the 34th edition of this remarkable contest concluded, it was apparent that the event had once again successfully showcased the best of Ensenada’s culinary art, wine, and culture. The anticipation for next year’s edition already looms large. Until then, it’s all about savoring the memories and, of course, the paella.
**Secondary Article: Celebrating Ensenada’s Wine Harvest Festival**
### Ensenada’s Fiery Wine Harvest Festival Captivates Thousands
Riding on the high of the Paella Contest, the XXXIV Fiestas de la Vendimia continued to invigorate Ensenada throughout August with myriad activities celebrating the wine harvest. The streets buzzed with excitement as residents and visitors immersed themselves in parades, wine tastings, and traditional dances.
**Cultural Richness**
The festival wasn’t only about savoring fine wines but also delving into Ensenada’s cultural heritage. Carnival floats adorned the streets, while local artisans showcased handcrafted goods, portraying the region’s artisanal prowess.
**Winery Tours and Tastings**
As part of the festivities, several wine tours were organized, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Baja California’s famed wineries. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with winemakers, sample limited-edition wines, and even buy exclusive bottles directly from the vineyards.
**Food Pairings and Workshops**
Complementing the wines were gourmet food pairings hosted by renowned chefs from the region. Workshops on food and wine pairing became a major highlight, providing insights into the intricate relationships between local flavors and vintages.
**A Grand Parade**
The final weekend of the Fiestas de la Vendimia wrapped up with a grand parade that saw participants donning vibrant costumes, dancing to upbeat music, and celebrating the harvest season. It was a colorful culmination to an eventful month, embodying the spirit of community and celebration that defines Ensenada.
As the festival drew to a close, it left an indelible mark, with attendees eagerly looking forward to the next year’s festivities, making the Fiestas de la Vendimia a must-visit on the cultural calendar.