Trinidad, Bolivia Joins Prestigious Global Food Capitals Network, Ready to Ignite the World with Amazonian Culinary Wonders and Sustainable Tourism!

Published on February 26, 2026

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In January 2026, the City of Trinidad, Bolivia, officially became a new member of The Food Capitals international network. This addition is set to elevate the global recognition of Trinidad’s unique food culture while promoting local gastronomy rooted in the traditions of the Mojeño–Trinitario people. As the capital of Bolivia’s Beni Department, Trinidad is centrally located within the Amazon Basin, offering a rich cultural and culinary landscape.

This new partnership between Trinidad and The Food Capitals network underscores the city’s commitment to showcasing its gastronomic heritage to the world. The network aims to provide a platform for local culinary identities, positioning food as a significant driver of tourism, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

Rich Amazonian Gastronomy Shaped by Biodiversity

Trinidad’s cuisine is deeply intertwined with the biodiversity of the Amazon. The region’s diverse food ingredients, such as freshwater fish, high-quality Beni beef, tropical fruits, and native cacao, define the city’s culinary identity. Essential staples like cassava, plantains, maize, and local chilies further reflect the region’s agricultural wealth and its connection to the surrounding environment.

These ingredients not only represent the Amazon’s natural abundance but also honor the ancestral knowledge and culinary practices passed down by the Mojeño–Trinitario people. The city’s gastronomy is more than just food; it serves as a reflection of the territory, culture, and sustainability, forming an essential part of everyday life, rituals, and traditional festivities.

Culinary Heritage Celebrated During the Ichapekene Piesta

The city’s gastronomy is celebrated through vibrant cultural events such as the Ichapekene Piesta, which is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This annual festival honors the food traditions and cultural practices of Trinidad’s indigenous communities and is a significant moment for the city to showcase its culinary offerings. The festival represents the region’s rich cultural heritage and highlights the ongoing importance of food in community rituals and celebrations.

Strengthening Gastronomy and Sustainability Through Policy

Trinidad has taken proactive steps to integrate gastronomy into the city’s public policies, emphasizing the importance of food as a tool for economic and cultural development. The city has initiated programs such as the Traditional Gastronomy Workshop School, which helps preserve culinary traditions and ensures that local food practices are passed down to future generations.

Additionally, the city has introduced policies to safeguard culinary heritage while working on a Strategic Tourism Plan that positions food as a key factor in boosting sustainable tourism. This plan aims to create opportunities for local economic growth by incorporating food into the tourism sector, focusing on youth training and sustainable practices that benefit both the local population and visitors.

Trinidad’s approach highlights Bolivia’s broader national goals to enhance gastronomy as an integral part of its cultural identity. By prioritizing culinary heritage, the city seeks to stimulate local development through a focus on sustainability, tourism, and education.

International Collaboration and Cultural Exchange

As part of the Food Capitals network, Trinidad now has access to a platform for international cooperation and cultural exchange. The network’s initiatives allow cities around the world to share best practices and collaborate on food-driven tourism projects. Trinidad’s inclusion in this prestigious network provides a unique opportunity for the city to present its food culture to a wider audience while learning from the experiences of other cities committed to promoting gastronomy and sustainable tourism.

This collaboration promises to strengthen the international visibility of Trinidad’s gastronomic offerings, creating new opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange. The Food Capitals network will play a pivotal role in helping Trinidad attract global attention and foster connections with other food cities worldwide.

Fostering New Partnerships at the Food Capitals Summit

The inaugural Food Capitals Summit, scheduled for May 2026 in Castelldefels, Spain, will mark the beginning of Trinidad’s active participation in the global food scene. The summit will bring together cities from around the world to share their culinary traditions, discuss the impact of food on local economies, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Trinidad’s involvement will allow the city to contribute to the global conversation on sustainable food tourism and learn from other cities facing similar challenges and opportunities.

Trinidad’s Vision for the Future of Gastronomy and Tourism

Trinidad’s involvement in The Food Capitals network reinforces the city’s ambition to use gastronomy as a catalyst for sustainable tourism, local economic development, and cultural preservation. By promoting its unique culinary identity on a global scale, Trinidad is positioned to become a key player in the international gastronomic landscape. The city’s commitment to safeguarding culinary heritage, coupled with its focus on sustainability, offers valuable insights for cities around the world looking to integrate food into their tourism and cultural strategies.

In conclusion, Trinidad’s recent entry into The Food Capitals network is a significant step forward for the city and Bolivia as a whole. It not only elevates the recognition of the city’s Amazonian gastronomy but also provides a platform for international collaboration and cultural exchange. The network’s support will help Trinidad share its gastronomic story while learning from other food cities around the world, further strengthening its place as a unique and vibrant culinary destination.