Girona and Its Culinary Events [Chapter 15]

Abstract

For some years now Girona province has placed itself as the centre of international prestige in the field of cuisine, with chefs such as Ferran Adrià and the Roca brothers positioning it in the world of haute cuisine. This is no sheer coincidence, but the result of a confluence of many factors (also related to the local people’s way of life and understanding of food) that make this region a privileged destination. Catalonia in general and, more specifically Girona, enjoy a long culinary tradition that can be documented back to the Middle Ages (there are clear references to it from many authors and recipes dating from this period). In addition, the province of Girona extends from the sea to the mountains, providing a variety of fresh and seasonal products throughout the year. This gives rise to various quality certifications and many typical local products, while favouring the holding of different events related to local products and cuisine. In 2012, the World Tourism Organisation compiled a global report on food tourism. This report highlights the considerable growth of this tourism sector and its relationship with the territory, culture, authenticity and local products