Puerto Morelos’ Sizzling Grill Festival Draws Thousands

Puerto Morelos, Mexico — The fourth edition of the Festival Parrillero del Caribe was inaugurated this past Saturday, described by municipal authorities as a major culinary event that boosts tourism and ignites local pride. The event surpassed expectations, drawing more than a thousand attendees on its first day at the Parque Fundadores in the Casco Antiguo.

A Culinary Event with a Cause

Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz, the municipal president, inaugurated the festival, highlighting it as a gastronomic experience that convenes the best chefs from the region and from various states across Mexico, all united by their mastery of the grill, smoking, and fire-based cooking.

“This is an event with a cause, one that promotes gastronomic tourism, strengthens local consumption, and advocates for a sustainable gastronomy that reflects our cultural richness,” stated Blanca Merari.

She celebrated the growth of the festival, which is now establishing itself as a tradition of Puerto Morelos, and recognized the work of the Secretariat of Sustainable Tourism for promoting and fostering the municipality's culinary prestige, which has been recognized with a presence in the Michelin Guide.

Supporting the Community

For his part, Chef Luis David Sánchez, the festival's general director, praised the talent of the 14 participating chefs, who have championed Puerto Morelos as a destination for culinary excellence.

He also confirmed that the revenue collected from public entry fees will be donated to DIF Quintana Roo, which is headed by Mrs. Verónica Lezama Espinosa, thereby contributing to improving the lives of those most in need.

Inaugural Activities

Following the inaugural ceremony, the municipal president, accompanied by Bárbara Alpuche Sánchez representing the honorary president of the state DIF, toured the culinary stations and participated in a workshop on preparing picaña al carbón, where she interacted with attendees.

The first day of the festival proceeded in a festive and family-friendly atmosphere, accompanied by live music, contests, artisanal beverages, wines, and cocktails that added extra flavor to the celebration.

Official Attendance

Also in attendance at the inaugural event were Andrés Aguilar Becerril, Undersecretary of Tourism; José de Jesús Espinosa Payán, Secretary General of the City Council; as well as chefs Carlos Lomelí and Ari Morales.

The festival's second day was held on Sunday.