Aruba, more authentic than ever with the 2nd edition of its gastronomic festival

Bathed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and blessed with 360 days of sunshine a year, Aruba combines dreamy beaches, a vibrant multicultural culture, and a remarkable culinary scene that wins over more travelers each year. The Happy Island is now preparing to celebrate the 2nd edition of the Authentic Gastronomic Festival from October 11-19, 2025, an event that will transform the destination into the Caribbean epicenter of flavors and culinary creativity.

With more than 100 nationalities living within its territory, Aruba is a melting pot of influences reflected in its cuisine. The Authentic Festival is an invitation to savor this diversity through special menus, exclusive dinners, and activities that celebrate the best of local and international talent.

Throughout these days, tourists and locals alike will be able to delight in unique dishes prepared by all kinds of renowned chefs, both Aruban and international, who will come to the destination to showcase the best of their talent and creativity.

There's everything on the menu! From fresh seafood to traditional dishes that showcase the most diverse and authentic Aruban cuisine.

"With Auténtico, we share the heart of Aruba: our cultural diversity, culinary creativity, and commitment to the community. This week of gastronomy is a window into our identity, uniting tradition and innovation in every bite," said Jordan Schlipken, director of the Aruba Tourism Authority for Latin America.

The event will take place in four main experiences: 

Restaurant Week (October 11–17): Local restaurants will offer “Authentic” prix-fixe menus, combining tradition and modernity.
Bucket List Experiences (October 11–17): Intimate dinners with guest chefs and Aruban talent.
Educational Sessions (October 16): Talks and demonstrations open to students, industry workers, and visitors.
The Pavilion (October 18–19): A massive open-air culinary celebration in Oranjestad with more than 30 restaurants, live music, and a festive atmosphere.

Who will be participating? Diners visiting Happy Island during those days will be able to taste and listen to outstanding artists such as:

Jaime Pesaque Roose (Peru), considered one of the greatest exponents of Peruvian cuisine in the world. Chef of Mayta in Lima—a restaurant included in the prestigious list of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants—has masterfully
combined Creole tradition with modern techniques, highlighting local produce and conveying Peru's cultural richness in every dish. His presence at Auténtico connects Aruba with the excellence and diversity of
Latin American cuisine.

Christian Petroni (United States) is an Italian-American Celebrity Chef.

He appeared on the chef competition Chopped and rose to fame in 2018 as co-winner of the Food Network television series Star.

Tim Golsteijn (Netherlands) Dutch chef of the Michelin-starred Bougainville restaurant in Amsterdam. Chef Golsteijn's cuisine combines flavors from the East and West with unique creativity. For this
chef, technical skill and culinary instinct go hand in hand. He skillfully balances the intensity of ingredients like Thai green curry and za'atar with delicate French aromas.

The 2nd edition of the Authentic Gastronomic Festival is an opportunity to showcase a side of the destination that wants to shine on its own.

Source: Aruba Tourism Authority.