What is the DNA Gastronomic Festival?
The DNA Gastronomic Festival in Dénia is much more than a culinary event: it is the grand annual celebration of Mediterranean creative cuisine. It takes place every September along the Marineta Cassiana promenade, a privileged seaside location. The festival is led by chef Quique Dacosta, who has turned it into an international reference where gastronomy blends with culture, art, and local produce.
This year will be an unforgettable edition because Dénia celebrates 10 years as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This recognition is not just a title but a commitment to local produce, tradition, and innovation. Personally, I think it’s the perfect occasion to see how an entire city becomes a stage for world-class cuisine.
Dates, Location and How to Get There
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When It Takes Place: 27–28 September 2025
Mark your calendars: the DNA Gastronomic Festival 2025 will take place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September. It’s only two days, but the intensity of activities and events makes it a truly unique weekend.
Marineta Cassiana Promenade: A Seaside Market
In previous editions, I was amazed at how the festival completely transforms the promenade. Imagine a half-kilometre market by the Mediterranean, full of life, aromas, and flavours. Farmers, fishers, and artisans from the Marina Alta region set up their stalls alongside local restaurants offering irresistible tapas. Walking there feels like Dénia becomes one giant outdoor gastronomic showcase.
During the festival, it’s best to move around on foot and arrive via the Paseo de las Rotas or by public transport using the Las Rotas bus line, as the promenade area tends to be very busy. If you prefer to go by car, here is an article about public and private parking in Dénia.
Programme and Main Venues
You can download it here.
Sea Stage: Renowned International Chefs
One of the festival’s highlights is the Sea Stage, located literally by the Mediterranean. This year it brings renowned chefs such as Jordi Roca and Amaury Guichon. Watching them cook live, with the sea as a backdrop, is an experience that’s hard to forget.
Creative Cities Stage: World Cuisines in Dénia
The big novelty this year is the Creative Cities Stage, featuring chefs from different UNESCO cities. Kitchens from places such as Mérida (Mexico), Tsuruoka (Japan), and Koksanba (Cameroon) will be present. In my view, this space turns Dénia into a genuine global meeting point, where local tradition and cultural diversity go hand in hand.
The festival embraces an inclusive spirit under the motto “All Artists Are Welcome”. It’s not just about haute cuisine but about treating gastronomy as an art form open to all audiences.
Gastronomy and Local Produce
Farmers, Fishers and Artisans of the Marina Alta
The festival’s DNA lies in local produce. Each edition, I’m amazed by the quality of local products: fresh vegetables, fish straight from the market, artisanal breads, and traditional sweets from the region.
Beyond the big names, what I enjoy most are the tapas and dishes from local restaurants. From traditional offerings such as baked cocas to modern reinterpretations of seafood recipes, they’re perfect for sampling as you stroll along the promenade.
Activities and Workshops for Everyone
If you enjoy getting hands-on in the kitchen, the Aqualia Space offers practical workshops with renowned chefs. I attended one in a previous edition and loved how approachable it is: you’re not just watching from a distance, but learning one-on-one.
The Liquid Universe is a space I highly recommend. There, wine, olive oil, and coffee tastings are organised, helping you appreciate even more the richness of Mediterranean products.
In the Cooking Space, workshops focus on typical preparations such as cocas — those baked doughs with seasonal ingredients — or artisanal ice creams, perfect for enjoying after a sunny stroll.
Complementary Experiences
The festival is not just a gastronomic feast. You’ll also find cultural and social activities that make it a truly unique event.
One of the most inspiring examples is the exhibition “8 AT THE TABLE”, designed and created by APROSDECO, a non-profit association made up of mothers, fathers, relatives, and guardians of people with intellectual disabilities from the Marina Alta. This exhibition is completely free and stretches along the Marineta Cassiana promenade.
In it, the eight arts — painting, cooking, dancing, sculpting, playing music, writing, and building — take visitors on a creative journey through the festival. Each installation reflects a diverse and enriching perspective, where APROSDECO members share their talents to show that art is everywhere.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something different, the programme includes sunset boat trips with tastings, an unforgettable experience combining the sea, the sun, and the best of Mediterranean cuisine.
Share and Keep Discovering Dénia
If you enjoyed this article about the DNA Gastronomic Festival 2025 in Dénia, share it with your friends and help spread the word about this celebration of Mediterranean cuisine.
Also, on playasdenia.es you’ll find other articles to help you plan your festival visit:
- Playa Marineta Cassiana: discover all the details about the beach where the event takes place, a perfect spot to combine sea and gastronomy.
- Dénia Urban Buses: check routes and schedules to reach the Marineta Cassiana promenade comfortably during the festival.
👉 Explore, share, and experience Dénia in all its forms.
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