Catalonia promotes its cuisine at Expo Milano with its own stand
The Catalan President, Artur Mas, argued that having a separate stand for Catalonia is an “opportunity” to show to the world the country’s “own personality and identity”. This is the first time that Catalonia is not taking part in an International Expo as part of the Spanish pavilion. Mas admitted that the decision was due to the political conflict with Madrid, but added that having a separate space was the “right solution”. Catalonia is present at Expo Milano 2015, with an exhibition entitled ‘Barcelona Capital of Catalonia. Real food for real people’, which promotes the culinary tradition in the country and its capital.
Milan (ACN).- Both Catalonia and Barcelona are present at Expo Milano 2015, with the stand ‘Barcelona capital of Catalonia. Real food for real people’. For the first time, and due to the political conflict with Madrid, the Catalan stand is separate from the Spanish pavilion, a solution that Catalan President Artur Mas has justified as the “right one”. The Catalan exhibition is not located in the main conference venue, but at Palazzo Giureconsulti and Via Mercanti, in the framework of the ‘Expo in Città’ events.
“It is not for us today to have our own pavilion as a state such as the ones that Spain, France and Italy have”, said Artur Mas to journalists in Milan. “But as guests to the city of Milan, we can be here explaining who we are”, he added. The exhibition is divided into three areas: el rebost (the pantry), la cuina (the kitchen) and la taula (the table). In the first area, visitors can discover products with quality distinctions, in the second, there is a display of Catalan landscapes and products, as well as of Barcelona's 39 markets. In the final area, visitors can discover nine homemade Catalan recipes developed by the Fundació Alícia, an initiative by renowned chef Ferran Adrià. The show also explains the initiatives of the Roca brothers from Girona, the geniuses behind the number 1 restaurant in the world, El Celler de Can Roca. “Catalonia is a model in the world of gastronomy”, said Artur Mas.
The aim of the exhibition is to showcase the creativity of Catalonia, but also to help people improve their eating habits. Specifically, the stand, with the collaboration of Catalan chef Ada Parellada, aims to raise awareness about food waste. During the exhibition, there will also be talks by the Fundació Alícia, the world’s best chef, Catalan Joan Roca, and the ACCIÓ agency, which is focused on promoting Catalan business abroad. Cultural traditions from Catalonia such as human towers, or ‘Diables’, and a street performance with fireworks, will also be seen in Milan.
FOLLOW CATALAN NEWS ON WHATSAPP!
Get the day's biggest stories right to your phone