Fiesta Latina Returns to Strossmayer Square with 11 Stalls
From August 24 to 30, Zagreb becomes the hub of Latin American flavors, cocktails, and dance workshops. Admission is free, and the program is richer than last year.
From August 24 to 30, Zagreb becomes the hub of Latin American flavors, cocktails, and dance workshops. Admission is free, and the program is richer than last year.
Fans of Latin American cuisine and culture have reason to celebrate. After last year's successful edition, the Fiesta Latina food festival returns to Strossmayer Square in Zagreb. From August 24 to 30, 2026, visitors can expect a week filled with exotic flavors, cocktails, music, and dance, with free admission to the festival.
This year's Fiesta Latina brings a noticeably richer gastronomic offer. During the workweek, 11 stalls will be set up on the square, and on weekends they will be joined by Exotic King, run by Ivan Šulog, offering tropical fruits such as Formosa papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, and young coconut. The festival will operate from Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to midnight, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to midnight.
In addition to food and drinks, the organizers have prepared daily DJ performances and evening party programs. Hrvoje Kraševac from Fever, Plesni centar Zagreb by Nicolas, and Mega Dance take over the dance segment, with their free workshops scheduled. Culinary and cocktail workshops are led by Mario Mihelj, BBQ Hot Yard, and Filip Lipnik.
The gastronomic offer covers a wide range of Latin American cuisines. At the Taquería Cato stall, they prepare fresh, completely gluten-free tortillas made from nixtamalized corn. Four types of tacos are available, with special highlights being the succulent pork Carnitas and Berenjenas con Mole Verde, which includes grilled eggplant from Zagreb. Chef Mario Mihelj at his Tres Tacos stall presents two new flavors: Birria taco with juicy meat and fresh salsa, and a spicier combination of marinated pork neck and bean cream.
Chef Matija Pavlic and Papoy Latina bring the best of Peruvian cuisine, including refreshing ceviche and succulent anticuchos skewers. Mate Janković and Institut za burgere present the Cubano concept with its namesake street classic made of roasted meat, ham, and melted cheese. For the sweet side, Nachurros offers crispy churros with hot chocolate, and pastry chef Juraj Klepić at the Gdje je Jura? stall presents a modern interpretation of Tres Leches cake with three types of milk and salted caramel, along with a new secret dessert surprise.
Special attention is drawn by the return of Noel*, Zagreb's first Michelin-starred restaurant. This year, they appear under the name Noel Street, and chef Ivan Temšić has prepared four signature dishes that progressively interpret Latin American tradition. The menu includes Chicken Mole Tacos with mole sauce and avocado cream, Empanada filled with shredded suckling pig ragout, the intriguing Tuna Tostada combining tuna tartare and pineapple, and CornRibs, fried corn with roasted pepper cream. Alongside the dishes, Noel Street bartenders mix their versions of summer classics, Paloma and Pina Colada.
For refreshment during the summer heat, Blend Bar, led by Filip Lipnik, takes care of visitors. The creative part of the menu includes signature cocktails such as Skinny Cherry with vodka, Bloom with gin and mango, and the exotic Ginger Fiesta with tequila and ginger beer. In addition to classic Mojitos and Palomas, the festival's main attraction will be Fresh Fruit Cups, cups of fresh fruit that, with the Cocktail Upgrade option, guests can turn into a personalized summer cocktail with a chosen alcoholic base.
The festival will also feature Sabor by Soirée with French-Latin fusion, Street Food stall by Tom Gretić with MexBurger and Choripan, and La Casa Central. A whole week of Latin hedonism at Strossmayer Square promises a unique gastronomic experience in the heart of Zagreb.
