Peñíscola News

October 30, 2026 - 15:10

Peñíscola is preparing to become the epicentre of Spain's cocktail scene over the coming days. The town will host the 72nd National Cocktail Congress, a major professional event bringing together more than 250 industry participants, including 52 bartenders competing for the national title.

The event will take place from 1 to 4 November at the Palau de Congressos in Peñíscola, where a series of competitions will put participants' creativity, technique and professional skills to the test. The venue will also feature an exhibition area where distributors, manufacturers and specialist companies will showcase their products, latest innovations and services for the industry.

One of the main highlights of the championship will be the opportunity to qualify for some of the most prestigious international cocktail competitions. As Toni Cortés, Secretary of the Association of Bartenders of the Valencian Community, the host organisation for this year's National Championship, explained, the winner will represent Spain at the next World Championship. The runner-up will qualify for the Pan-American Championship, while the third-place finisher will earn a place in the European Championship.

Héctor Talens, President of the association, has highlighted the importance and scale of this national event, which brings together some of the finest professionals in Spain. He also pointed out that the current world champion is Spanish: Balearic bartender Biel Ramon, who was recently crowned champion in Macao and will also attend the event in Peñíscola.

Meanwhile, Peñíscola's mayor, Andrés Martínez, has wished the organisers and all participants every success. He also highlighted the tourism and economic impact of the congress, which is expected to generate more than 1,000 overnight stays in the town during November.

The mayor also emphasised the participation of several hospitality and catering schools from the province, whose involvement will help introduce the world of mixology to future professionals and encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience between emerging talent and established bartenders.

With this event, Peñíscola further strengthens its position as a destination capable of hosting major professional gatherings and specialised congresses, adding another attraction to its calendar of events and helping boost tourism beyond the peak summer season.