Aruba's Autentico Culinary Festival Returns for Third Year with Global Culinary Lineup

The Island's Signature Culinary Celebration Takes Place October 3-11, Featuring Marcus Samuelsson, Virgilio Martínez, Luca Cinalli and Aruba's Local Culinary Talent

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) is proud to announce the return of Autentico, Aruba's signature culinary festival, taking place October 3-11. Now in its third year, Autentico celebrates the diverse cuisines and cultural influences that shape the island's culinary identity, bringing together acclaimed international talent and Aruba's own chefs, mixologists and restaurants.

This year's festival will feature acclaimed chef, restaurateur and author Marcus Samuelsson, renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez and internationally recognized mixologist Luca Cinalli, alongside culinary talent from across Aruba. From Restaurant Week and intimate Bucket List experiences, to the return of the outdoor culinary Pavilion in downtown Oranjestad, Autentico 2026 will showcase the breadth of Aruba's food scene through special menus, demonstrations and collaborations.

"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. "As the festival enters its third year, we're proud to continue creating opportunities for our local culinary community to share the creativity and cultural influences that define our island, while welcoming talent from around the world to exchange ideas, collaborate and experience Aruba through its food."

What to Expect at Autentico 2026

From island-wide dining to immersive culinary collaborations, this year's festival offers something for every palate.

• Restaurant Week | October 3-9: Twenty-five participating restaurants across the One happy island will offer special lunch and dinner menus, inviting diners to experience the breadth of Aruba's culinary scene. Guests dining at participating restaurants can also enter for the chance to win tickets to the Pavilion through a special Scan and Win activation.
• Bucket List Experiences: A curated series of intimate culinary experiences will bring guests closer to the chefs, ingredients and stories shaping Aruba's food scene. Highlights include From Summit to Sea, a collaboration between Chef Virgilio Martínez, founder of Central in Lima, MIL in Cusco, MAZ in Tokyo, and the Mater Institute in Lima, and Aruba's Chef Urvin Croes of Infini, as well as a special mixology collaboration featuring Luca Cinalli alongside Apotek Speakeasy and the culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba.
• The Pavilion | October 10-11: Autentico's outdoor culinary celebration returns to downtown Oranjestad, bringing together Aruba's culinary community and international guest talent for a weekend of food, drinks and live demonstrations. Samuelsson will lead culinary classes and collaborate with L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House, while Cinalli will lead ticketed mixology classes during the weekend.

International Culinary Talent

This year's international lineup brings distinct culinary perspectives to Aruba, with each guest collaborating directly with the island's culinary community. Martínez will join Aruba's Chef Urvin Croes of Infini for From Summit to Sea and participate in an educational industry seminar on October 8. Samuelsson will take the stage for culinary classes during the Pavilion weekend and collaborate with L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House, while Cinalli will collaborate with Apotek Speakeasy and the culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba for a special mixology experience before leading mixology classes at the Pavilion.

"Food tells you so much about a place – its history, its people and the many cultures that have shaped it," said Chef Marcus Samuelsson. "I'm excited to experience Aruba through its food, cook alongside local chefs, and discover the ingredients and traditions that make it unique. As a chef, you're always learning, and I'm looking forward to the exchange of flavors, ideas and stories that Autentico brings together."

Tickets for Autentico 2026 are now available at aruba.com/autentico. Visit the site for a full schedule of events, participating restaurants and travel tips to help plan your visit.

About Aruba
Aruba, known to many as the One happy island, is celebrated for its white-sand beaches, diverse culinary scene, rejuvenating wellness experiences and rich cultural heritage. Beyond its natural beauty, it's the warmth of Aruba's people and welcoming spirit that create a lasting connection with guests. The island leaves guests with an unmistakable sense of happiness that stays with them long after they leave – we call it the Aruba Effect. Aruba encourages guests to be respectful and responsible while experiencing the island, helping preserve what makes it special for generations to come. Want to discover more? Visit Aruba.com, make the Aruba Promise and follow along on social @arubatourism on Instagram, Facebook and X.

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This material is distributed by Zeno Group, Inc. on behalf of Aruba Tourism Authority. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

SOURCE Aruba Tourism Authority