The San Francisco neighborhood in Bilbao celebrated its 23rd edition of the "World Rice Dishes" festival this Saturday. This gastronomic event, reflecting the city's population diversity, had to limit participation to 3,000 people, leaving many unable to attend. "If we put more chairs, they would be filled," stated the organizers.
The event featured a vibrant and participatory atmosphere. Sonia, a member of the EDO cultural association and originally from Nigeria, was determined to win after three years of participation. "It's a beautiful, very fun festival, as always. Today is a day for us to gather, each group and association from different countries," she commented.
Jordana Callejas, a hotel receptionist originally from Nicaragua, sat with her association of exiled women and compatriots. "It's our first time; they've always invited us, so this year we decided to make our typical dish," she explained. Her dish included rice, beans, green plantain, cabbage salad, cheese, and roasted meat. "Today is just another excuse to get together and share our dishes that take us back to our homeland," she added, mentioning the support from social collectives and Ongi Etorri.
Nelson, a worker from Petronor, showcased the virtues of Biafran rice, featuring spice, tomato, and onion. "Today, you can eat world rice dishes here in Euskadi. We participated in the contest last year too; it's a day to be with family, friends, everyone. We invite all," he said. "The one from Nigeria is white rice with coconut. It's a very fun day, even though it's very hot," added another participant.
The event, aimed at promoting interculturality and integrating new residents, has become an unmissable date for both locals and newcomers. The positive atmosphere experienced since early morning in Corazón de María square has attracted everyone. "There's room for everyone here," they acknowledged. "There's a good vibe; whoever wants to comes, all the friends get together, we drink and eat," assured Aritz Iglesias, a resident of San Francisco.
Residents from the neighborhood's senior center also attended. "Throughout the year, we collaborate with associations and organizations, carrying out community activities with people from other countries; many come to greet us," commented Patricia Sastre, the center's director.
The number of groups participating in the contest, organized by Ehunka sare komunitarioa and the coordinator of groups from Bilbao La Vieja, San Francisco, and Zabala, is growing. "Normally, there are no fewer than sixty. The heat hasn't reduced the number today either; people are very animated, and even more come after the street parade," said Miriam Moruno, a member of the organizing collective who hasn't missed any of the 23 editions. She particularly highlighted the presentations: "They are ideal; the rice's cooking point is another matter, it indicates a lot about the type of grain. We taste everything, and the Sub-Saharan one, in my opinion, is the best," she summarized.
The jury consisted of four people: one from Bilbao, one from Honduras, and two from Senegal, as diverse as the dishes. The winner will be announced at 5:00 PM.
