The event, which took place in Ribalta Park in Castellón de la Plana, saw forty professionals compete. The organization of this semifinal was made possible through close collaboration between the city councils of Sueca and Castellón, the Municipal Tourism Board of Castellón, the contest organizers, and sponsoring companies.
“"We appreciate the effort and interest of the professionals in attending to try and secure a spot in the grand final. This year, the success of previous editions has been surpassed with 63 pre-registrations, of which, unfortunately, only 40 were able to participate."
The Tourism councilor responsible for the contest was present in Castellón to show her support and gratitude to the Castellón City Council, the sponsors, and especially the participants. Alongside her, the Tourism councilor of Castellón and the gastronomic coordinator of the contest presented the scrolls to the finalists.
The contest director highlighted the consolidation of this regional semifinal after three years, emphasizing the high demand for participation. He also thanked the support of the sponsors and the city councils of Sueca and Castellón, who have expressed their satisfaction with the visibility this semifinal provides to gain more support for their Arroz a Banda Contest.
The twelve restaurants that will participate in the grand final in Sueca are: Tasca del Puerto Grao de Castellón, Restaurante Vaiven Alcossebre (Castellón), Casa Quitín Burjassot (Valencia), Restaurante La Palmera Paiporta (Valencia), Restaurante Isabel Playa Playa de Gandía (Valencia), Restaurante Ca Ladio Llombai (Valencia), Restaurante La Garrofera Serra (Valencia), Restaurante Goya Gallery Valencia, Restaurante Setaigües Siete Aguas (Valencia), Restaurante La Llarga Valencia, Restaurante Los Mejillones 3 Valencia, and Restaurante Ca Teresa El Saler (Valencia).
The cooked paellas were available for tasting after their preparation by the large number of visitors who attended Ribalta Park. The money raised from ticket sales for the tasting was donated to an association for oncology patients in Castellón.
