The competition, which aims to highlight traditional Alicante cuisine and homemade rice dishes, will hold five qualifying rounds throughout September at various Carrefour shopping centers in Alicante province. Participants must prepare a dry or soupy (but not brothy) rice dish in a 32-centimeter diameter paella pan, cooked using gas.
The first round will take place at Carrefour Petrer. The top 10 participants from each category in these qualifying events will advance to the finals. The finals will be held during Alicante Gastronómica at the IFA-Fira Alacant venue, where the winners will be decided.
The children's category is open to those under 17 years old, who may be accompanied by an adult. The winner of the children's final will receive a prize of 500 euros, while the winner of the adult category will receive 1,000 euros.
From the Petrer Tourism Office, technician David Ivorra emphasized that participants must be amateurs, excluding professional cooks and those who own or manage restaurants. Ivorra also encouraged visitors to take the opportunity to explore the municipality's tourist attractions and the Heritage Days coinciding with the competition.
Registration is now open and can be completed through the official contest website: [www.elmejorarrozdelmediterraneo.com](http://www.elmejorarrozdelmediterraneo.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
