During the event, hosted for the first time by journalist Pepe Ribagorda, the official presentation of the 2025 championships took place, bringing together some of the best chefs from Spain and around the world, who have become true ambassadors of the art of tapas.

The Cúpula del Milenio in Valladolid hosted this opening day, presided over by the Mayor of Valladolid, Mr. Jesús Julio Carnero, accompanied by Emilio Martín, Vice President of the Hospitality Association; chef Paco Morales, President of the National Championship and owner of Noor Restaurant, awarded three Michelin stars and recently recognized with the 2025 National Gastronomy Award for Best Chef by the Royal Spanish Academy of Gastronomy; as well as Blanca Jiménez Cuadrillero, Councillor for Tourism, Events and City Brand of the Valladolid City Council; Víctor Caramanzana Rey, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Valladolid; Francisco de Frutos, President of the Valladolid Hotel Association; Roberto Migallón, Valladolid Provincial Council; Ana García, Director of the National Championship; and Ángel Moretón, Director of the International Competition..

“When you travel and see that other countries are copying the concept of tapas, you realize we are doing an incredible job. Keep going, because the future will be yours,” said chef Paco Morales at the beginning of the day.

During the opening ceremony, Jesús Julio Carnero, Mayor of Valladolid, remarked: “The tapa connects us all culturally. It is a living expression of our identity and of how we share moments, flavors, and traditions.”

On this first day, the draw and assignment of participation turns for both championships also took place — a moment that marked the official start of this gastronomic event that places Valladolid at the center of attention.

To close today’s program, the national competition began with the participation of the first 15 finalist chefs (out of the 46 selected) of the 21st National Tapas Championship.

Valladolid, November 10th, 2025. — Today, the official opening of the 21st National Tapas Championship and the 9th International Tapas Competition took place at the Cúpula del Milenio in Valladolid,two of the most prestigious gastronomic events on the national and international scene. With this ceremony, Valladolid has once again established itself as the global epicenter of the art of the tapa.

El acto de apertura, celebrado a las 11:30 horas, ha estado The opening ceremony, held at 11:30 a.m., was presided over by the Mayor of Valladolid, Mr. Jesús Julio Carnero, accompanied by Ms. Blanca Jiménez Cuadrillero, Councillor for Tourism, Events and City Brand of the Valladolid City Council; Mr. Paco Morales, President of the National Championship, chef and owner of Noor Restaurant (3 Michelin stars) and recipient of the 2025 National Gastronomy Award; Mr. Víctor Caramanzana Rey, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Valladolid; Mr. Emilio Martín, Vice President of the Hospitality Association; Mr. Francisco de Frutos, President of the Valladolid Hotel Association; Mr. Roberto Migallón, Valladolid Provincial Council; Ms. Ana García, Director of the National Championship; and Mr. Ángel Moretón, Director of the International Competition.

Throughout the day, an official welcome was given to more than 60 participating chefs, highlighting the importance of these championships in promoting Valladolid as a gastronomic, cultural, and tourism benchmark.

During the opening ceremony, Jesús Julio Carnero, Mayor of Valladolid, remarked: “The tapa connects us all culturally. It is a living expression of our identity and of how we share moments, flavors, and traditions.”

“The tapa represents the connection between the land and its people. Behind each one there is a product born from the daily effort of our producers, which chefs transform through their talent and creativity into true culinary works of art. In this way, the tapa brings together territories, people, and knowledge,” he added, concluding: “Furthermore, the tapa has an immeasurable social value: it brings us together, invites us to share, and strengthens our bonds as a community. At the same time, it allows us to honor and give value to the entire food chain, from the field to the table.”

Chef Paco Morales reflected on the connection between this type of miniature cuisine and culture and tradition: “The tapa is culture and a way of coexistence among peoples. In Córdoba, we have historically been a blend — a mixture of all the cultures that have passed through our land. This competition is proof that we should not fear our roots, but rather feel pride and attachment to our culture,” he said.

The Michelin-starred chef also highlighted the international value of the concept: “When you travel and see that other countries are copying the idea of tapas, you realize that we are doing an incredible job. Keep going, because the future will be yours.”

Likewise, Emilio Martín, Vice President of the Hospitality Association, stated: “It is an honor to host a new edition that unites Valladolid with the world and with the palate. Each year, the enthusiasm of our restaurateurs remains intact as they welcome the public and offer them authentic bites of happiness.”

Journalist Pepe Ribagorda made his debut as master of ceremonies of the event, leading the opening day and officially presenting the championships, declaring that “in tapas we find memory and territory.”