Tapas, those tiny bits of heaven that can season the appetite, accompany a drink or add up to a wonderful meal, will now be honored with a day of their own. June 16, 2016 marks the first celebration of World Tapas Day.
Spain’s national tourism agency, Turespaña, has proclaimed the third Thursday of every June for the new ‘holiday,’ honoring what has become Spain’s best-known culinary treat, available in various forms throughout the country.
Tapas can be as simple as a dish of oil-cured olives, as basic as a cooked egg, as rich as white beans cooked with bits of sausage, or as luxurious as a bit of meat with truffle…it hardly matters. You make your selection, often off the bar counter, and pay by the plate or skewer.
While they can be found in humble bars all over Spain, they have also, in recent years, attracted the attention and special touches of Michelin-starred chefs. To celebrate the day, the tourist board has organized tours and workshops across Spain, restaurant promotions and more. They say they already have worked with more than 20 other countries for a world-wide celebration.
Is Gumbo planning to celebrate the day? You bet! Keep checking back for our coverage of tasty things, leading up to World Tapas Day!
