Oliva Launches Inaugural National Artisanal Rice Competition to Boost Culinary Tourism
The city of Oliva is set to host its inaugural National Competition for Artisanal and Creative Rice Dishes on June 8th, featuring 25 professional chefs in a strategic effort to promote the region's culinary heritage.
Spanish gastronomy is reaching for new heights with the first City of Oliva National Competition for Artisanal and Creative Rice Dishes. Aiming to establish itself as a premier culinary event, the competition will take place on June 8th at the Media Galta site, featuring 25 professional chefs.
Among the competitors is Aday Martín from Tenerife’s Atlantis Restaurant, whose participation brings significant prestige to the event. Martín is a rising star in the culinary world, having placed second in the 2024 world rice category and third in the 2025 fideuá championship. He will be showcasing a caldero rice dish—a recipe that demands expert timing and a deep understanding of stocks, both hallmarks of Mediterranean cooking.
Organized by the Oliva City Council and the Gastroliva platform, the competition is part of a broader strategy to boost tourism by highlighting the region's rich culinary heritage. Under the "Gastroliva 2026" brand, the city is hosting a series of events throughout the year that celebrate everything from local ingredients to creative street food.
By blending traditional recipes with modern innovation, the event serves as a showcase for the current state of Spanish signature cuisine. With high-caliber chefs like Martín taking part, the competition is set to put Oliva on the map as a must-visit destination for culinary professionals and food lovers alike.