August the 14th, 2025 – The first Fiesta Latina is scheduled to arrive in the very heart of Zagreb later this month, promising to transform the Croatian capital into Rio, Caracas and Buenos Aires all at once!
From August the 25th to the 31st, Zagreb will take on quite another character. Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square in the heart of Zagreb will be gripped by a Latin fever as the first Fiesta Latina takes over Zagreb.
Tacos, guacamole, arepas, elotes, empanadas, chicharrones and churros will be eaten, and salsa, bachata, rueda, jive and cha-cha-cha will be danced along with Mojitos, Cuba Libres and Margaritas. The Kokoš ili jaje creative agency, already very well known for its popular themed festivals such as Zagreb’s Burger, Pizza and Asian Street Food Festivals, will be bringing the sumptuous flavours, aromas, rhythms and vibrant spirit of the South American continent to the heart of Zagreb.
Ten booths will present: Taquería Cato, Arepera Maracay, Tres Tacos by Mario Mihelj, Noel* Street Food by Ivan Temšić, Nachurros, Gdje je Jura by Juraj Klepić, ArtofBar by Filip Lipnik, Exotic King, GingleBells and Mojito Bar.
During the Fiesta Latina festival in Zagreb, dance magicians Hrvoje Kraševac, Nicolas Quesnoit, and Hrvoje Kozak and Paula Zouhar from the MegaDance Dance Centre will also be there to teach visitors Latin dances, entirely free of charge. All interested parties will also be able to participate in culinary and cocktail workshops for free.
Chef Mario Mihelj will hold a workshop on preparing tacos and guacamole, and excellent mixologist Filip Lipnik will teach participants how to make Paloma and Daiquiri cocktails and test them in a fun blind competition. The barbecue kings from BBQ Hot Yard, led by Davor Šušković, will hold a three-hour masterclass in which visitors will learn how to prepare Brazilian Picanha steak, Argentinean Choripan smoked sausages, Chilean Anticuchos skewers with marinated pork, peppers and onions, Peruvian smoked marinated chicken wings, and Uruguayan Asado Burger. The top atmosphere will be provided every evening by the best DJs, including Kanca, Bondža, Collins, Bukljaš and Mataya.
the first fiesta latina in zagreb – an incredible rhapsody of Authentic Latin Flavours
The first ever Fiesta Latina in Zagreb represents a totally unique opportunity to experience the authentic aromas and flavours of Latin America, all in one central place. One of the must-see stops during the festival will definitely be Taquería Cato, where fresh tortillas will be being prepared every day.
“We use local, seasonal ingredients combined with Mexican peppers and spices, putting all of it on a tortilla. As well as tacos, it’s equally important for us to serve our guests a great cocktail,” Cato said, adding that the upcoming Fiesta Latina in Zagreb will offer: Elote (grilled corn, spicy mayo, feta, tajin), then four types of tacos: Carnitas (pork – confit, oranges, spices, tomatillo salsa), Chicken Tinga (chicken drumstick, salsa macha – chipotle, peanuts, guacamole, crispy corn), Birria (juicy beef cooked in spices, consommé) and Calabaza (caramelised butternut squash, peppers, hazelnuts, goat cheese, beets). These delicacies will be readily accompanied by some amazing signature cocktails: Cato Margarita, Elote and Margarita/Spicy Margarita.
Just how these tacos are expertly prepared by an excellent chef and proven expert in Latin American cuisine will be witnessed at the Tres Tacos by Mario Mihelj house. At the recent summer edition of Fuliranje, this member of the MasterChef jury delighted all those present with three types of tacos: Tex Mex Chicken, Asado Beef and Crispy Shrimp, while for Fiesta Latina in Zagreb, he’s got more up his sleeve…
from mexico to venezuela… without ever leaving zagreb!
When you want to jump from Mexico to Venezuela, make sure to visit the Arepera Maracay house.
“Our story is a family one. We brought the spirit of Venezuela to Zagreb through the best that this distant country can boast of. Gastronomy is certainly one of those things,” reveal the owners of Arepera, Sanja and Ricardo Luque, known to the general public as the singer of the band Cubismo.
“An arepa is a bread or flatbread made from corn flour that has been previously cooked. It’s soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a different flavour depending on the filling you choose,” they explain.
Among their hits, the following should be noted in particular: Pabellón (pulled beef, black beans, sweet banana, salty cheese), Reina pepiada (chicken, avocado, mayonnaise, salty cheese), Sifrina (chicken, avocado, mayonnaise, Gouda cheese), Pernil (pork leg, salty cheese, tomato, avocado), Pelua (pulled beef, cheddar), but also vegan arepas such as Pabellón vegano and Pata pata. “At the first Zagreb Latin American Food Festival, we will offer our most famous arepas, as well as a few other surprises,” they point out.
Haute cuisine in Latin style and plenty of signature desserts
All fans of Zagreb’s first Michelin-starred restaurant will find their place at the Noel* Street Food by Ivan Temšić house. This talented chef, who regularly delights the crowds with haute cuisine creations in the street food format, had this today: “Noel* continues to present itself in a new guise through street food, this time with Latin charm and well-known delicacies with a touch of spiciness.” At the very first Fiesta Latina in Zagreb, Temšić will offer visitors as many as five new dishes: Tacos (chicken, mole, avocado cream, pico de gallo, crispy chicken skin), Chicharrones (crispy fried pork, guacamole), Corn Ribs (“ranch” sauce, hard cow’s cheese), Empanadas (turkey ragout, sour cream) and Nachos (pepper ragout, cream cheese).
The Nachurros stall on Strossmayer Square will be responsible for generous savoury and sweet combinations, featuring crispy churros with hot chocolate or caramel and loaded nachos with melted cheese, guacamole and salsa.
Dessert lovers will be happy to head to the Gdje je Jura by Juraj Klepić stall. This most innovative young pastry chef, who has become the absolute ruler of trends and street food festivals, is set to prepare some truly original versions of churros with multiple toppings and flavours for Fiesta Latina in Zagreb, as well as his interpretation of the famous Tres Leches cake (a sponge cake soaked with three types of milk: cow’s milk, coconut milk, condensed milk; vanilla chantilly cream, salted caramel and coconut). There is also a surprise in the offing, which, knowing Klepić, will win over everyone who tries it.
The fragrant and colourful Exotic King stall by Ivan Šulog will certainly also be a special attraction at Fiesta Latina this month. In the offer of exotic fruits grown on plantations in Donja and Gornja Bistra, very close to Zagreb, special focus will be placed on Latin American species such as Formosa papaya, passion fruit, yellow and red dragon fruit, lucuma and young coconut.
Cocktails as the soul of Latin culture
Cocktails play an important role in Latin American culture because they aren’t only drinks, but also a living expression of rich tradition, sociability and creativity. Naturally, the first Fiesta Latina in Zagreb is set to bring with it as many as three sands that will offer cocktails with a focus on indigenous Latin American flavours. ArtofBar by Filip Lipnik will be presented for the first time ever at the upcoming Fiesta Latina.
“We’re a team of experienced cocktail masters who enjoy combining the art of mixology with authentic Latin flavours. At Fiesta Latina in Zagreb, we’ll definitely stand out with our original signature cocktails inspired by Latin America, using fresh ingredients and handmade syrups. Our concept is simple: high quality, creative presentation and a memorable experience. Our goal is for every visitor to feel the taste of fiesta in every sip,” said Filip, who will also hold a workshop on Friday, August the 29th.
Cocktail lovers will certainly enjoy the wildly popular GingleBells booth, as these streetfood festival veterans have a cocktail menu featuring more than twenty classic and signature cocktails that regularly win over even the most demanding palates. For the first Fiesta Latina in Zagreb, they have lovingly prepared even more new surprises with an emphasis placed on the much loved Margaritas. The Mojito bar, as the central booth on Strossmayer Square, will offer the widest selection of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, for all ages and tastes, in addition to the classic Mojito and all kinds of new creative variations.
The first Fiesta Latina in Zagreb will transform Strossmayer Square into the epicentre of Latin rhythms, flavours and pleasures. All that remains is for you to come hungry, thirsty and ready to dance and indulge in the most cheerful and delicious Latin story of the summer. More about this festival’s amazing programme and how to register for dance, culinary, cocktail, and wine & paint workshops and the Urban Quiz Story, as well as details of the music programme, will be revealed next week. Until then, make sure to follow Fiesta Latina on Facebook and Instagram for more news and info.
the details…
Location: Trg Josipa Juraj Strossmayera/Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square, Zagreb
Duration: 25th to the 31st of August, 2025
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 12:00 to 00:00 and Sat-Sun: 11:00 – 00:00
Entrance: Free
