Copyright euroweeklynews
Villajoyosa is already stirring with anticipation. From November 19 to 21, the scent of cocoa will once again drift through the streets as Xocolatíssima 2025 returns — three days dedicated entirely to celebrating the town’s deep-rooted chocolate heritage. The festival opens in a way that could not be more fitting. On Wednesday 19, the doors of the Teatre Auditori will welcome one of the world’s most influential pastry masters: Paco Torreblanca. Torreblanca, who holds titles such as Best Pastry Chef in the World, Best Pastry Chef in Europe and Best Pastry Chef in Spain, will offer a talk titled “From the chocolate city to art”. His personal connection with Villajoyosa stretches back years, making his presence feel like a homecoming. Xocolatíssima 2025 pays tribute to the historic families behind Vilero chocolate Over the course of the festival, Villajoyosa will also honour those who have helped preserve the local chocolate tradition. On Thursday evening at Salón Don Pedro, the town will name its 2025 Honourable Ambassadors of Vilero Chocolate: Pedro Lloret Llinares, Vicenta Lloret López and Vicenta Lloret Tonda, each representing families whose businesses have shaped the chocolate industry in the area. For Villajoyosa, chocolate is far more than a product — it is identity. A legacy that began in the 17th century, woven into family businesses, workshops and the collective memory of the town. Mayor Marcos Zaragoza expressed it simply: “We are the ‘town of chocolate’. This title exists because of decades of dedication from our business community. Xocolatíssima allows us to celebrate a tradition that is still alive.” Tourism Councillor Rosa Llorca echoed the sentiment, emphasising that the festival forms part of La Vila Gastronómica, a brand that promotes the municipality’s culinary excellence. Chocolate, tradition and innovation: Villajoyosa unveils its most exciting edition yet The most eagerly awaited moment arrives on Friday November 21. From the early evening, the park of the Casa Museo Barbera dels Aragonés will fill with neighbours sharing cups of warm chocolate in a popular open-air tasting. Laughter, conversation and the aroma of freshly melted cocoa will set the scene for the grand finale: the announcement of the winner of Villajoyosa’s first Popular Chocolate Dessert Competition. It will be the first time the festival invites residents themselves to become part of the story by creating a homemade dessert with local chocolate as the star ingredient. The competition is open to anyone aged 16 or older, and the only requirement is to bring one dessert — already prepared, ready to taste — on the day of the competition between 5pm and 7pm. Registration is available at the Tourist Office or by calling 609 773 978 until 19 November. For a few days in November, Villajoyosa will once again remind everyone why it proudly calls itself the town of chocolate — not just by history, but by passion.
