Aruba puts culinary tourism in the spotlight with Autentico 2026

International

Nine-day festival from October 3 to 11 brings international chefs together with Aruba’s culinary scene, including Restaurant Week and a two-day open-air event in Oranjestad

Aruba will turn its culinary diversity into a tourism experience when the Autentico Culinary Festival returns for its third edition from October 3 to 11. The programme combines local restaurants and chefs with international guests including Marcus Samuelsson, Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez and mixologist Luca Cinalli.

Organised with the support of the Aruba Tourism Authority, the festival is designed to showcase the cultural influences behind the island’s food while encouraging visitors to explore restaurants and culinary experiences across Aruba.

25 restaurants join Restaurant Week

The festival begins with Restaurant Week from October 3 to 9. Twenty-five participating restaurants will offer special lunch and dinner menus, providing visitors with an introduction to different parts of Aruba’s culinary scene.

A series of smaller “Bucket List” experiences will complement the restaurant programme. Among the highlights is “From Summit to Sea”, bringing together Virgilio Martínez and Aruba-based chef Urvin Croes of Infini.

Martínez, whose international restaurant portfolio includes Central in Lima and MIL near Cusco, will also participate in an industry seminar on October 8.

International chefs meet local talent

Marcus Samuelsson will lead culinary classes and collaborate with L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House during the festival. Luca Cinalli will work with local and hotel-based teams on cocktail experiences before leading mixology classes during the final weekend.

“Food tells you so much about a place – its history, its people and the many cultures that have shaped it,” said Samuelsson. “I'm excited to experience Aruba through its food, cook alongside local chefs, and discover the ingredients and traditions that make it unique.”

For the Aruba Tourism Authority, the festival also provides a platform for the island’s own culinary businesses.

“Autentico is about bringing people together through the flavors and stories that make Aruba unlike anywhere else,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority.

Festival finale in Oranjestad

Autentico concludes on October 10 and 11 with the Pavilion in downtown Oranjestad. The outdoor event will bring together local restaurants, chefs and international guests for food, drinks, demonstrations and culinary classes.

By combining restaurant experiences with international collaborations and public events, Aruba is using Autentico to position gastronomy as part of the island’s wider tourism offer rather than simply as an accompaniment to a beach holiday.