Paella masterclass for international residents

L’Alfàs del Pi celebrated the sixth edition of World Paella Day on Sunday, 19 May, with a gastronomic event that showcased the cultural diversity of the municipality. A dozen associations of international residents took part in a masterclass to learn how to cook an authentic Valencian paella, led by renowned chef Pablo Montoro.

The event, organised by the departments for Tourism and International Residents together with the Pangea Office of L’Alfàs, brought together people of various nationalities with the aim of fostering integration and cultural exchange through cuisine. Participants included residents from Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Romania, Norway, India, Bolivia, Germany, Belgium and Spain, among others.

The day concluded with a communal lunch in which around 300 residents from different countries shared food, conversation and experiences. It was a space for understanding, mutual respect and the building of friendships between people from diverse backgrounds, in a municipality where more than 50% of the population is of foreign origin.

The local council has praised this initiative, which highlights the cultural richness of L’Alfàs del Pi and uses gastronomy as a tool for social cohesion. As mayor Vicente Arques pointed out, this kind of activity plays an important role in community building.

World Paella Day was created with the aim of achieving UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for paella, in the same way as other internationally recognised dishes. It is a celebration that pays tribute to the most iconic dish of Valencian cuisine, recognising paella not only as a culinary recipe, but also as a symbol of unity, diversity and shared tradition.

In L’Alfàs del Pi, a municipality home to residents of nearly one hundred nationalities, the celebration of this day has become a model of coexistence and diversity. It is an opportunity to celebrate the cultural and gastronomic wealth of the Valencian Community, promoting integration and understanding among people of different nationalities through cooking.

A community with a strong heartbeat

With over 2,500 registered Norwegian residents — and an estimated actual population of around 8,000 — l’Alfàs del Pi is home to the second largest Norwegian colony outside of Norway itself. The figures speak of deep-rooted ties: two state-funded Norwegian schools, a dedicated church in nearby Albir, a 50-year-old community club, a retirement home, and the only Norwegian volunteer centre (Frivilligsentralen) abroad.