# Culinary festivals and competitions in Colombia

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/culinary-festivals-and-competitions-in-colombia
> Updated: 2026-10-29T04:46:10.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Regional gastronomic events and competitions are being held across Colombia to promote local traditions and entrepreneurship. In Antioquia, the Candela Festival focused on preserving ancestral knowledge and culinary identities through activities such as the Gastronomic Experiences Contest, farmers' markets, and musical performances.

Other culinary initiatives include the Royal Burger competition in Riohacha, where ten restaurants compete for public favor, and the Rionegro es una Arepa event, which showcases traditional arepa preparation by local artisans. Additionally, the El Mejor Dulce del Oriente competition concluded in Eastern Antioquia, awarding the title of Best Sweet of the East to a dessert featuring regional flavors like coffee, panela, and local cheese.

## Claims

- The Royal Burger competition in Riohacha runs from October 29 to November 1. (reported by 1 source)
- Ten restaurants are participating in the Royal Burger competition. (reported by 1 source)
- Rionegro es una Arepa will feature 16 artisans on November 1. (reported by 1 source)
- The Rionegro Mayor's Office provided training and equipment to the arepa artisans. (reported by 1 source)
- Micaía Repostería won the fifth edition of El Mejor Dulce del Oriente. (reported by 1 source)
- The winning dessert, Montañitas de Oriente, uses a corn cookie base. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Gastronomic events and culinary awards held in Colombia

Culinary events in Colombia include the Royal Burger competition in Riohacha, an arepa festival in Rionegro, and the El Mejor Dulce del Oriente award in Antioquia.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gastronomic-events-and-culinary-awards-held-in-colombia

### 2026-10-02: Candela Festival celebrates gastronomy and culture in Antioquia

The Candela Festival 2026 celebrates the gastronomy and traditional culture of western Antioquia, Colombia, through culinary contests, farmers' markets, and musical performances.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/candela-festival-celebrates-gastronomy-and-culture-in-antioquia

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Cite as: Culinary festivals and competitions in Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/culinary-festivals-and-competitions-in-colombia