'We Champion Tradition Because It Speaks of Identity, Memory and Territory'

In its next edition, Gastronomic Forum Barcelona proposes returning to the roots to build the present and project the future of the sector. Pep Palau, content director of the show, which will take place from November 2 to 4, 2026 at Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via venue, explains how tradition will structure a program that will give equal voice to great names of the kitchen and young talents. According to Palau, revisiting tradition means looking at the past 'without nostalgia or complexes' to recover concepts, recipes and techniques that still make sense, adapted to the present moment: 'tradition is being strongly reclaimed because it speaks of identity, memory and territory'. Professional visitors will find live cooking presentations, many with tastings, practical workshops and round tables. The program will include an unprecedented session dedicated to front-of-house service, in which five leading figures of dining room service will demonstrate their craft in action, and will pay special attention to the rise of counter dining, recreating a real working bar so attendees can see how a team moves, how service is organized and how that close relationship with the customer is created. A day will also be dedicated to the new generation of professionals, who raise issues such as working hours, work-life balance and quality of life in the restaurant industry, alongside management content on costs, teams and adapting to market changes.