The World Arepa Day is a very special date for those of us who bring to Venezuela in our hearts, even when we are far away from our land. It is a day to celebrate not only a food, but also the history, culture and identity of a country that is expressed through one of its greatest culinary symbols, the arepa.
The question "when is the World Arepa Day?", has an answer that ignites emotions and memories. This celebration takes place every second Saturday of Septemberthanks to an initiative launched in 2012 by the Venezuelans in the World Organization (VenMundo).
Since then, this day has become an international event to honor the flavor of our roots.
The origin of World Arepa Day
To understand the importance of World Arepa DayIn addition, it is necessary to go back to its origin. This fact was proposed in July 2012 by VenMundoan organization that was born out of the desire to unite the Venezuelans living outside the country.
The objective was clear, to pay homage to the arepathat round loaf that has accompanied generations of Venezuelansinside and outside the home.
VenMundo established that the World Arepa Day would be held every second Saturday in September.
Why September? Because it is a symbolic month, loaded with memories of back to school, of afternoon rains, of breakfasts at home with the smell of toasted corn and melted butter. In short, a perfect month to invoke the nostalgia of what we are.
Since then, this day has crossed borders. In cities such as Madrid, Miami, Buenos Aires, Bogota or London.thousands of Venezuelans gather in plazas, restaurants and homes to celebrate this special day. And not only the Venezuelans friends from other countries participate nationalities also join the party, discovering the magic of the arepa for the first time.
How is World Arepa Day celebrated around the world?
The World Arepa Day has crossed oceans and borders, becoming an international festival that unites people from all over the world. Venezuelans no matter where they are. At EuropaThis day is much more than a symbolic date, it is an opportunity to reconnect with the homeland from the table, share our roots and spread our culture through flavor.
Below, we tell you how this celebration is experienced in different countries. European countries where the Venezuelan community has strongly sowed the love for the arepa.
Spain
At Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and many other cities Spanishthe World Arepa Day is celebrated with enthusiasm and organization. Restaurants Venezuelans offer special menus, themed combos and activities such as recipe contests or workshops to learn how to prepare the perfect arepa.
In addition, the following are performed gastronomic fairs outdoors, where the protagonist is undoubtedly the taste of the corn.
At Madridthe World Arepa Day marks the beginning of The Arepa Routea gastronomic event that brings together more than 40 restaurants from mid-September to October.
It includes creative proposals, thematic brunches, and the Great Arepas Championship of Madridwhere locals such as La Cachapera o Mantuano Bistró compete for the recognition of the best arepa. It also highlights a series of videos starring the chef Alejandra Morrisonwhich celebrates the cultural and emotional value of this dish.
Miami
At MiamiWorld Arepa Day is lived with a contagious energy. The city, home to one of the largest Venezuelan communities outside of Venezuela, becomes an epicenter of celebrations.
Restaurants, food trucks and Latin markets are organizing "collective "arepazostastings and contests. Areas such as Doral, Kendall y Wynwood are filled with events where the arepa is the protagonist, accompanied by live music, children's activities and even Venezuelan art exhibitions.
Premises such as Doggi's Arepa Bar, La Latina and Arepa Station launch special editions, gourmet versions or fusions with international flavors, reflecting the innovative spirit of the city.
Orlando
At Orlandothe World Arepa Day is also gaining momentum, especially in areas such as Lake Nona, Kissimmee and the Downtown. The growing Venezuelan community organizes family gatherings, cultural fairs and gastronomic events.
Restaurants and bakeries such as Q'Kenan, Arepas El Cacao or La Patria Café offer special menus, family combos and activities for children, making the day an experience for all ages.
In addition, community initiatives are carried out for charitable purposes, where the arepa becomes a symbol of unity, identity and support among migrants.
Houston
At Houstona city with a growing Venezuelan population, World Arepa Day is celebrated with activities in restaurants, community centers and universities.
Local establishments such as Sabor Venezolano, Arepa Xpress and The Arepa Spot offer special promotions, tastings and family events. Many entrepreneurs take advantage of the date to showcase their homemade products at weekend markets or multicultural fairs.
Portugal
At Lisbon y Portothe restaurants of Venezuelan food prepare special promotions and organize meetings between families and friends.
Many Portuguese already know and enjoy the arepaand this day serves to continue strengthening cultural ties through cuisine.
France
Paris hosts the celebration of the World Arepa Day with events in restaurants, markets from street food and cultural spaces.
The community Venezuelan organizes tastings and activities with music, while many of them are French discover the arepa for the first time and are fascinated by its versatility.
Germany
In cities such as Berlin y Munichthe Venezuelans have popularized the arepa in gastronomic markets and food trucks.
During this date, it is common to find live cooking events, preparation classes and tastings that invite the German public to learn more about the German cuisine. Venezuelan culture.
Italy
Milan, Rome and others Italian cities are the scene of celebrations that combine the warmth of the Venezuelan with the Italian passion for good food.
Restaurants and bakeries offer both classic and gourmet versions of the arepaand many families organize dinners to share with friends. Italians who have already made the arepa part of their diet.
Netherlands
At Amsterdamthe Venezuelans cultural and gastronomic activities are being organized to celebrate the World Arepa Day.
Meetings are held in squares, fairs or restaurants where migration stories are shared, arepas are prepared live and Venezuelan identity is proudly celebrated.
Types of Venezuelan arepas
Within the framework of the World Arepa DayIn addition to the enormous variety of arepas that exist in the country, one cannot fail to mention the enormous variety of arepas that exist in Venezuela.
Each region of the country has contributed its own touch, its own filling, its own way of preparing it. This diversity makes the arepa is not only a versatile food, but also an expression of the cultural richness of our country.
However, they all start from the same base, corn flour, water and saltWhat changes is the way they are filled, cooked or served. Here are some of the most representative types of arepas in Venezuela:
1. Arepa Reina Pepiada
One of the most loved and famous. It is filled with a mixture of shredded chicken, mayonnaise and avocado. Its name is a tribute to a Miss Venezuela who won Miss World in the 1950s. In the World Arepa Daythe pepiada queen this is a worldwide favorite.
2. Arepa Pelúa
Another classic that combines larded meat with yellow cheese grated. The name "peel"refers to the appearance of the cheese on top of the meat. It is an irresistible combination, ideal for those looking for intense flavor.
3. Domino Arepa
Filled with black beans (beans) and grated white cheese. The contrasting colors give it its name, reminiscent of dominoes. It is one of the arepas consumed during breakfast or dinner.
4. Cheese Arepa
It can be with cheese inside the dough or simply filled with fresh white cheese. It is the simplest, but also one of the most authentic. An excellent option for those who celebrate the World Arepa Day with a more traditional flavor.
5. Andean Arepa
Made with wheat flour instead of maize, typical of the states of the west Venezuelan. It has a softer texture and a slightly sweet flavor. The Andean arepa is usually filled with buttercheese or sausages.
6. Arepa Rumbera
Filled with roast leg and sometimes with cheese. It's a festive option, ideal for gatherings or for those who want to celebrate the World Arepa Day with a touch more Caribbean.
7. Pavilion Arepa
Inspired by the national dish Venezuelanis filled with larded meatIt is a very tasty dish, black beans, rice and tajadas (fried ripe plantains). It is a arepa very complete, which represents in a single bite all the essence of Venezuela.
8. Widow Arepa
It is so called when it is eaten without stuffing. Despite its simplicity, it has a particular charm. It is often accompanied with buttercoffee with milk or simply on its own, to appreciate the purity of its flavor.
The evolution of the arepa in the world
Since the beginning of the World Arepa DayThis food, so much our own, has gained unprecedented visibility in kitchens all over the planet. It has appeared on menus of international restaurantshas been featured in television programs, reviews in gastronomic magazines and multicultural cooking fairs.
What for centuries was a Venezuelan domestic tradition, today is recognized as a jewel of global gastronomy.
This expansion is no accident. It has been possible thanks to the millions of Venezuelans who, in the midst of complex circumstances, have embarked on new paths abroad. Courageous and hard-working people who, upon arriving in distant lands, decided to make their way through taste.
Thanks to this collective effort, the World Arepa Day is no longer just a date to remember what we were. It is also an opportunity to recognize what we are, a people that adapts, that undertakes, that transforms memory into possibility.
The arepa has evolved, but has not lost its essence. In many countries versions are prepared with local ingredients, signature reinterpretations, even gluten-free or vegan adaptations. And yet, each one of them still carries the same message: "Here is a Venezuelan who does not forget where he comes from".
From CuriaraWe hope that this journey through the history and expansion of the arepa has inspired you as much as it has inspired us.
We know that living far from home is not easy, and that adapting to new realities involves effort, nostalgia and courage. But we also know that our roots, when shared, can flourish in the most unexpected places.
You are not alone in this journey.
