The fourth edition of "FEM Paelles a La Rambla" ends with successful participation and public attendance

The “Rambla a foc viu” paella by Nathan Minguell wins first prize at the charity contest “FEM Paelles a La Rambla”

40 teams participated in this new edition of the charity gastronomic contest, promoted by Amics de La Rambla and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, with the aim of raising funds for scientific research into multiple sclerosis and improving the quality of life of people living with the disease.

The day again combined gastronomy, music, and solidarity, hosted by journalist Carme Gassull and judged by Ada Parellada, Raül Balam, and Lloll Bertran, in a festive and participative atmosphere in the heart of Barcelona.

Once again, La Rambla was filled with flavors, commitment, and great vibes for the fourth edition of the “Fem paelles a La Rambla” charity contest, organized by Amics de La Rambla and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. The gastronomic proposal “Rambla a foc viu,” created by Nathan Minguell's team, was the winner of this edition, standing out among the forty participating teams for its creativity and quality.

The contest brought together 40 teams for a new day focused on gastronomy and solidarity in central Barcelona. The event, held on Rambla de Santa Mónica, was supported by Oleaurum and Repsol as main sponsors, along with sponsorship from Ametller Origen and support from the Barcelona City Council.

Thanks to citizen participation and the commitment of the participating teams, the initiative surpassed the amount raised in the previous edition. All the funds obtained will be allocated entirely to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation's projects, focused on scientific research and neurorehabilitation services to improve the quality of life of the nearly 12,000 people living with the disease in Catalonia.

The event was presented by gastronomic journalist Carme Gasull and featured an exceptional judging panel made up of chef Ada Parellada, cook Raül Balam, and actress and singer Lloll Bertran, who evaluated the different entries based on criteria such as flavor, presentation, and originality, and also shared tips with participants, strengthening the educational and approachable nature of the day.

Besides the first prize, other outstanding proposals were “Arròs d'en Pep,” which took second prize with a 100% vegetable rice dish made by Josep Maria Martínez Cassanys's team, and Eva Viciano's dish, which took third prize with an offal cod rice with white asparagus and spring mushrooms. The Public Prize went to “Arrosset de la terreta” by Héctor Marquès, while the “Most Ramblera Paella” award went to La Rambla resident Alicia Berlanga for “Arròs de la Monyos,” a tribute to this unique and beloved character. In addition, the jury awarded a special mention to Bàrbara Ogar's team, who lives with multiple sclerosis and created “Paella amb EM, emprenent la màgia,” designed to be easy to eat for people with multiple sclerosis.

The winners received various prizes, thanks to the businesses at Amics de La Rambla and other collaborating companies. Among these were a basket of products from La Mallorquina, tickets to the Wax Museum, two tickets to the opera Falstaff at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, as well as tickets to the Romea and Poliorama theatres. Prizes also included guided audio tours of the Barcelona Erotic Museum with a glass of cava, a cocktail for two at CentOnze Signature Bar, and a lunch for two at Louro Restaurant offered by the Centro Galego de Barcelona. Interparquing also participated by offering free parking to all participants, and La Boqueria provided goods for the preparation of the paellas.

“It is very moving to see how year after year this initiative grows and manages to engage more and more people in such an important cause. Activities like this help us to give visibility to multiple sclerosis and to continue advancing in research and in the support of people with MS”, said Ángeles Tejada, vice president of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

For his part, Toni Albaladejo, vice president of Amics de La Rambla, emphasized that “initiatives like this help to energize La Rambla and strengthen its social and participative side, bringing together people from different backgrounds around gastronomy and solidarity, and in a hundred years' time, we will still be holding the FEM Paelles contest at La Rambla.”