Apapaxoa Culinary and Cultural Festival Xcaret 2024 Makes its Debut in Riviera Maya

Xcaret, Quintana Roo, June 6, 2024 – The Apapaxoa Culinary and Cultural Festival Xcaret is set to celebrate its first edition in the Riviera Maya. Led by Grupo Xcaret, the event aims to be an authentic tribute to Mexican gastronomy and its roots, blending the diversity of international haute cuisine with authentic local flavors and ingredients. Taking place from July 17 – 21, the festival will offer visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore culinary trends and gastronomic evolution using sustainable Mexican ingredients in a natural, responsible, and sustainable environment.

The event will feature presentations and dinners with more than 15 renowned world-class chefs, including members of the Xcaret Culinary Collective, whose restaurants recently received their first Michelin Star in Mexico. Notably, the Ha’ restaurant located in Hotel Xcaret Mexico, led by Carlos Gaytán, the first Mexican to obtain a Michelin Star both within and outside the country, will be highlighted. Accompanying Chef Gaytán will be Jonatán Gómez Luna, Martha Ortiz, the Rivera-Río brothers, Paco Méndez, Alex Ruiz, Roberto Solís, and master chocolatier Mao Montiel, all esteemed members of Xcaret’s renowned gastronomic team.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, La Casa de la Playa, Xcaret Park, Xplor Park, and Xoximilco Cancun will be transformed to welcome attendees in a festive and culturally enriching atmosphere, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Xcaret’s natural and cultural environment.

The five-day event will feature the star presence of Spanish chef Ferran Adrià, who will deliver a keynote presentation on July 20 at the Gran Tlachco in Xcaret Park, followed by an honorary dinner for 160 guests. Additionally, the event will include chef Andoni Aduriz, a culinary reference with two Michelin Stars for his restaurant Mugaritz, who will be giving a lecture at the festival, as well as Antonio Bachour, acclaimed as the best pastry chef in the world.

In the following days, presentations will feature chefs such as Ana Karime López, the first Mexican woman to earn a Michelin Star and currently the chef at the renowned Osteria Gucci by Massimo Bottura. Other notable chefs include Guillermo González Beristáin, Olga Cabrera, Richard Sandoval, Janaina Torres, and Rodrigo Noriega, among others.

Similarly, the arrival of chef Carlos Hannon as the Culinary Director for Hoteles Xcaret coincides with the planning and celebration of this event. His experience and leadership will further strengthen Xcaret’s commitment to culinary excellence and sustainable innovation, as well as the festival’s goals.

“Apapaxoa Culinary and Cultural Festival Xcaret celebrates world cuisine by blending the exquisite ingredients and flavors of Mexico. This event brings together national and international culinary talents to highlight the trends and evolution of gastronomy. Using sustainable Mexican ingredients, we create a natural and responsible environment that embodies Xcaret’s culture,” said Carlos Hannon, Culinary Director for Hoteles Xcaret.

In addition to presentations and workshops, the festival will offer exclusive dinners, all enhanced with art exhibitions and live music. This combination of activities will create a comprehensive experience that celebrates both gastronomy and culture, allowing attendees to enjoy unique moments while learning about the latest culinary trends and sustainable practices.

The world-class event will culminate with a Sunday Brunch at Las Cuevas restaurant in Hotel Xcaret Mexico. Here, chefs from the Xcaret Culinary Collective, along with national and international guest chefs, will host and showcase their dishes at special stations. They will demonstrate how they prepared their culinary creations, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy high-quality cuisine in a spectacular setting.

Guests are invited to embark on this exciting gastronomic journey in the heart of Xcaret to discover flavors from around the world fused with the essence of Mexico. Visitors can purchase tickets for a variety of limited-capacity events, including:

• Day Pass: Includes a presentation and lunch at Mercado de San Juan in Hotel Xcaret Arte or Mercado de la Merced in Hotel Xcaret Mexico for $111 (USD).
• Dinner and Wine Pairing: Available at Kibi Kibi, Chino Poblano, Encanta, Cantina Los Faroles, and Tuch de Luna restaurants for $165 (USD).
• Dinner and Wine Pairing: Offered at Xaak and Centli/Lumbre restaurants for $199 (USD).
• Ha’ Restaurant Dinner and Wine Pairing: Priced at $216 (USD).
• Honorary Dinner for Ferrán Adrià: Available for $256 (USD).

For more information, please visit www.hotelxcaret.com