From March 6 to 8, 2026, the city of Trinidad, Bolivia, hosted “El Primer Encuentro Internacional de Gastronomía Trinidad” (The First International Gastronomy Gathering: Trinidad, Gastronomic Capital), bringing together chefs, experts, and representatives from across Latin America. The event also celebrated Trinidad’s recent integration into the international network, The Food Capitals.
At the beginning of March, the city of Trinidad became a meeting point for culinary professionals, cultural leaders, and gastronomy enthusiasts during the First International Gastronomy Gathering: Trinidad, Gastronomic Capital. Over three days, the event celebrated the richness of regional culinary traditions while highlighting the growing importance of gastronomy as a driver of cultural identity, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
Organised in the capital of the Beni Department, the gathering brought together representatives from gastronomic cities across Latin America, including participants from Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and other countries. Through conferences, culinary demonstrations, and public festivities, the meeting offered a platform for dialogue on how food traditions can support economic development, strengthen local food systems, and preserve cultural heritage.
Celebrating gastronomy as heritage and identity
A central element of the event was the International Gastronomy Forum, where participants explored key issues shaping the future of food culture. Alongside the forum, the event featured a Gastronomic Showcase, where chefs presented live cooking demonstrations, which allowed participants to discover local ingredients and culinary techniques while exchanging ideas with fellow professionals.
The celebration extended beyond the conference rooms with a lively Gastronomic Festival, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to taste a wide variety of dishes representing different culinary traditions from across the region. The festival reinforced the idea that gastronomy is not only a field of expertise but also a shared cultural experience that brings communities together.
A new Food Capital joins the network
Although representatives of the network could not attend in person, several member cities shared congratulatory video messages welcoming Trinidad to the community, highlighting the spirit of collaboration and friendship that defines the network.
The event reflected the very essence of The Food Capitals: connecting cities through their culinary identities while encouraging dialogue, creativity, and cooperation across borders. For Trinidad, hosting this first international gastronomy meeting was a meaningful step toward strengthening its place in the global community of cities that recognize food as a powerful expression of culture and identity.
Photo credits: © Gobieno Autonomo Municipal de Trinidad
