Barcelona is preparing to host the first edition of the Croqueta Crush festival , a culinary event that is coming to the city after its stop in Seville. The event will take place from May 22 to 25 at the Poble Espanyol complex, transforming this architectural space into the epicenter of croquette culture, with a program that combines culinary competition, entertainment, and educational activities.
Over the four days, attendees will be able to sample a total of 14 varieties of croquettes and seven different tapas, presented by the city’s most iconic establishments. The festival is participatory in nature, as the public will be in charge of voting to decide which dish is the best of this edition, under the slogan “You taste, you vote, you make the match.”
From tradition to the avant-garde in a single bite
The seven participating establishments have designed a menu that ranges from classic flavors to the most daring combinations. Among the most enticing offerings is that of Rooster&Bubbles, which presents a pulled pork croquette cooked for 12 hours and smoked just before serving, while Bodega Borràs ups the ante with a slice of northern ribeye accompanied by bone marrow and reduced jus. For its part, La Martita plays with the contrast between sweet and savory in its recipe for chorizo with Camembert cheese and honey, and Restaurant Casa Pince adds a spicy touch with its red shrimp croquette topped with Sriracha mayonnaise.
The lineup is rounded out by the seasoned Casa Rafuel and its creamy Gorgonzola cheese option, ideal for lovers of intense flavors. On a more exotic note, La Fonda de Pirenaicas offers a journey to Asia through a Peking duck croquette with hoisin sauce, while 5 Hermanos opts for the hearty flavor of a matured beef tenderloin turned into a croquette. Each of these creations will compete for the favor of attendees, who will be able to sample them as they explore the various corners of the venue.
Workshops and entertainment for all ages
Beyond the culinary offerings, the event includes a program of activities designed for different audiences. For adults, highlights include guided beer tastings, workshops on how to pour a perfect draft beer, and pairing sessions. The Croque-Cites activity has also been organized , a dynamic initiative to encourage singles to meet through spontaneous “matches.”
Cocktail culture will take center stage with the Crush & Cocktails workshop , led by experts from the Rouge Cocktail Club. In this masterclass, participants will learn to make classic cocktails such as the Whisky Sour or the Espresso Martini, combining historical theory with hands-on practice at the shaker so that each participant can taste their own creation in the venue’s cloister.
Family-friendly space and culture
The 40,000-square-meter Poble Espanyol complex will allow visitors to round out their day with visits to its resident artisans and the Museum of Contemporary Art. For families, children’s areas have been set up with murals to paint, giant wooden games, and the Bombolla Crush activity, focused on creating soap bubbles. The lineup is rounded out by a candy market and a continuous music program featuring DJ sets and live performances.
