Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The aroma of wood smoke, charcoal and spices filled the air at Portal Maya as the Playa Grill Fest kicked off, a two-day event bringing together producers, chefs, grill masters, artisans and entrepreneurs to celebrate the region’s culinary diversity.
Held on June 16 and 17 along the Caribbean coast, the festival showcases local flavors and the people behind the supply chain that stocks restaurants, hotels and food businesses in Playa del Carmen and its rural communities.
Highlights include grill cooking demonstrations, traditional smoke cuisine preparations, tastings, culinary exhibitions and sessions with specialized chefs sharing techniques and recipes inspired by regional ingredients.
On opening day, visitors and tourists explored the various spaces set up in Fundadores Park, where agricultural producers, ranchers, fishermen and artisans displayed a wide range of products from the municipality and nearby communities.
A key feature of the festival is the connection between the primary sector and local gastronomy. Organizers noted that many ingredients used in the preparations come directly from local producers, strengthening local consumption circuits and creating opportunities for those working in agriculture and fishing.
This edition features around 20 artisans, 15 local producers and 15 food exhibitors, offering everything from fresh produce and handmade goods to dishes prepared with traditional and contemporary techniques.
Activities include slow-cooking demonstrations, open-fire roasts, lechón preparation, grilled cuts, traditional Maya cuisine, seafood and recipes blending Mexican Caribbean influences with national and international trends.
Beyond promoting regional gastronomy, the event aims to strengthen ties between producers, restaurateurs and consumers, highlighting the importance of local supply chains in a city whose tourism sector increasingly relies on authentic culinary experiences.
Attendees can also enjoy live music, family activities and social spaces, making the festival a recreational option for both residents and domestic and international visitors.
As part of its social component, organizers said a portion of the event’s proceeds will go to community projects focused on food production, particularly through the implementation of family and community gardens benefiting families in various localities.
With an estimated attendance of several thousand people over its two days, the Playa Grill Fest aims to establish itself as one of the most important gastronomic gatherings in the Riviera Maya, promoting the region’s culinary identity and the work of those who, from the field, the sea and the kitchens, contribute to building the food scene that distinguishes Playa del Carmen.
