Bocata Fest, the gourmet sandwich culinary event coming to Malaga this summer

With the Potato Omelette Championship still underway, July brought the Campero Fest, and now the next event has been announced: Bocata Fest. The Provincial Government of Málaga and GastronÓmico are joining the culinary wave of contests and events with a different bet, full of Flavor of Málaga, where some of the most prominent chefs from the province will be in charge of creating various gourmet sandwiches using local products. The Bocata Fest will take place on the upcoming Friday 29th and Saturday 30th of August at Marenostrum Fuengirola, at the foot of Castillo Sohail.

The Bocata Fest will feature a series of gourmet sandwiches created exclusively for this festival by some of the most recognized chefs and cooks in Málaga. Among the participants of this first edition are Diego René from Beluga; Reyna Traverso from Taquería Ensenada; Mariano Rodríguez from EME de Mariano; Daniel García Peinado from Bien Frito; Daniela Romero from Alma Playa; and Mario Céspedes from Ronda 14. They are all top-notch chefs with renowned restaurants that do not typically focus on sandwiches or the like, so their offerings might surprise.

Additionally, the first day of Bocata Fest will feature chef Diego Gallegos, known as the caviar chef at his restaurant Sollo, one of the few to hold a Green Michelin Star in Spain. He will also prepare an exclusive sandwich, but only on Friday 29th.

The gourmet sandwiches from the chefs of Málaga

What creations can we expect at Bocata Fest? Some details of the sandwiches we will find at this culinary event are already known, such as the beef birria drowned torta proposed by Reyna Traverso, a gluten-free option; or the Iberian jowl sandwich, from Mariano Rodríguez; there's also the BBQ rib brioche, by Diego René; the Pastrami Club, by Diego Gallegos; the mechá meat pepito, Canarian mojo, cured goat cheese, and mango chutney, presented by Daniel García Peinado; the crystal chapata with pork cracklings in lard, truffle, and payoyo, by Daniela Romero; and the Creole choripán with green mojo and rocoto, by Mario Céspedes.

In addition to these creations, at Bocata Fest you will also find street foods from different parts of the world. For example, you can try everything from carbonara churros with parmigiano reggiano, to a cochinita pibil quesadilla, including Tequeñísimos, guacamole with totopos, shredded chicken arepita with ají, or chaufa rice. There will also be something for the sweet tooths, from Brownie & Olive, who will offer freshly baked brownies made with extra virgin olive oil and a selection of toppings.

Everything we know about the schedule and timings of Bocata Fest

Bocata Fest will be held on the upcoming 29th and 30th of August, with opening hours from 19:30 to 2:00 in the morning. The musical programming will take place at the Unicaja Foundation Stage, the festival's focal point. Friday 29th will feature Malaga's own Adriana Rogan, known for her appearances as a finalist in shows like La Voz and Tierra de Talentos. Her repertoire will include covers of great classics from pop, rock, funk, and reggae. The evening will conclude with a lively DJ session that will set the rhythm for the night.

On Saturday 30th of August, it will be the turn of the Free Soul Band, considered one of the most outstanding soul bands on the Costa del Sol. They will share the stage with Funkorama, a band from Granada that is currently on their farewell tour. This group, famous for recreating the aesthetics and sound of the golden era of disco music, promises to deliver an unforgettable performance.

In addition to the concerts, Bocata Fest will include parallel activities for all attendees. Among them, a public vote to choose the best sandwich of the event, as well as a raffle for various culinary experiences. An animated craft and fashion market will also be set up in the exterior area of the castle, completing a cultural and leisure proposal that combines live music, unique flavors, and a festive atmosphere, a combination so fashionable on the Costa del Sol.

Tickets for Bocata Fest

Tickets to attend Bocata Fest are already on sale through the Marenostrum Fuengirola platform. Ticket prices range from 4.50 euros for the promotional ticket – with the purchase of two – or the general admission which costs 6 euros. Additionally, you can buy your first sandwich along with a beer and a promotional glass for 13 euros with the launch promo. Afterward, this option will cost 16 euros.