August the 26th, 2025 – The much anticipated Fiesta Latina in Zagreb has delighted all those who have visited thus far with its tempting Latin American flavours and aromas.
Latin fever has well and truly taken hold in the Croatian capital as the Fiesta Latina festival in Zagreb opened yesterday on Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square. It immediately confirmed that this will be the tastiest, most colourful and by far the most tempting part of the summer. As soon as we entered the brightly decorated square, we were captivated by the aromas of barbecue and all kinds of spices, infectious rhythms and the palpable euphoria of the audience. Strossmayer Square was transformed into a mini Caracas, Rio and Ciudad de México all in one, and all in the heart of Zagreb.
Our gastronomic journey through Central and South America without ever leaving Zagreb began with delicious GingleBells Margaritas and Piña Coladas. They were the perfect introduction to an evening that we will remember for a long time to come. Taquería Cato refreshed our souls and bodies with their traditional Agua de Jamaica – a refreshing and hydrating hibiscus infusion, and then they served their incredible Chicken Tinga tacos. Chicken drumsticks, matcha salsa, chipotle, peanuts, guacamole and crispy corn all put together in a freshly baked blue corn tortilla literally melted in our mouths. We also learned that the original Mexican tortilla is made from pure blue corn, and when soaked in lime juice, it turns from dark blue to pink.
Tres Tacos by Mario Mihelj brought gourmet versions of tacos with the signature of the esteemed MasterChef jury member. Naturally, we tried all three: Tex-Mex Chicken, Pulled Pork and Crispy Shrimp, and everyone found their favourites among them. Rich, juicy and with perfectly balanced flavours, they will surely have an army of fans among the crowds, and you can learn how to make them yourself at the Fiesta and at Chef Mihelj’s free workshop this Saturday.
The scents and flavours of Venezuela spread from Arepera Maracay as part of the first Fiesta Latina festival in Zagreb. Their delicious Reina Pepiada – an arepa stuffed with chicken, avocado and salty cheese delighted everyone present and showcased the true luxury of authentic ingredients and the excellence of preparation. We will definitely be back here to try all the other delicacies: tostones, platano and cassava, as well as amazing Pabellón arepas with black beans, beef and sweet banana.
Noel* Street Food by Ivan Temšić provided the haute cuisine experience in a street food version. His tacos with chicken, mole sauce and crispy chicken skin were our “wow” bite of the entire evening, with the corn ribs with “ranch” sauce and hard cow’s cheese also an additional delight. The delicious empanadas filled with turkey ragu and served with sour cream were also a huge hit. We’ll definitely back, because we also want to try Temšić’s Chicharrónes – crispy fried pork with guacamole.
Kućica Nachurros proved to be excellent when it came to their mouth watering loaded nachos. They offered Chicken Fiesta, Pulled Pork BBQ and Beef Inferno fillings. This is an ideal dish for sharing, and they also have burritos in the same combinations. They also offered delicious churros in the classic cinnamon and sugar version, and with chocolate, caramel or Dubai toppings.
Irresistible churros are also made at the inimitable pastry chef Juraj Klepić at the Gdje je Jura hut, and this time we enjoyed his interpretation of the traditional Tres Leches cake. A juicy sponge cake with three milks, vanilla cream, salted caramel and coconut was a sweet finale that deserved applause. Just when we thought the evening couldn’t possibly get better, the brilliant mixologist Filip Lipnik brought out his signature cocktails: Ciguli Miguli and Fat Bitch. Both drinks are masterpieces packed with balanced flavours and plenty of freshness, and we can’t wait for his cocktail workshop with a blind competition this Friday.
We ended the perfect evening with Exotic King Ivan Šulog, who presented a colourful platter of exotic fruits, showing that Croatian farming can take on the scents of a Peruvian market.
We quenched our thirst the entire time with perfectly chilled Corona beer, water and juices from La Casa Central, and while some took pictures with wine in one corner, others played table football in the Samsung zone, tested the latest Samsung foldable devices and had fun with the Google Gemini AI assistant. Around one hundred people danced to the salsa workshop put on by the Zagreb by Nicolas Dance Centre on the first evening. Although many didn’t even know the basic steps, after half an hour everyone was shaking their hips as if salsa was in their blood. With DJ Kanca, the atmosphere on Monday evening turned into a cheerful fiesta under the stars.
Fiesta Latina was quick to prove that Zagreb is the ideal location for such a unique experience. A gastronomic rhapsody with ten huts, cocktails that are works of art in themselves and daily free dance workshops is exactly what the city needed.
Make sure to pack your comfortable shoes and open your senses if you’re in Zagreb! The very first Fiesta Latina in Zagreb lasts until August the 31st, admission is free, and every day brings new flavours, masterful workshops, sensual Latin dance courses and all kinds of fun surprises. Come hungry, thirsty and ready for a bit of a dance. Once you become infected with the Latin atmosphere, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.
For daily news, the schedule of daily dance courses, and registration for culinary and cocktail workshops, make sure to follow Fiesta Latina in Zagreb on Facebook and Instagram.
Location: Trg Josipa Juraj Strossmayera/Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square, Zagreb
Duration: August the 25th to the 31st, 2025
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 12:00 to 00:00 / Sat-Sun: 11:00 to 00:00
Entrance: Free
