From August 7 to 10, Bogotá prepares to live a new edition of the Fritanga Fest, one of the most tasty and expected gastronomic celebrations of the district calendar, which in his sixth version, promises not only to delight palates with the unmistakable taste of fritanga, but also reinforce the role of Market district places as living scenarios of culture, meeting and popular economic development
The Mayor’s Office of Bogotá and the Institute for Social Economics (IPES), together with Entities such as the District Secretariat of Economic Development, the District Institute of Tourism and the District Institute of Cultural Heritage, have joined efforts to make Fitanga Fest 2026 a complete experience.
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In that sense, they said that this edition is part of the strategy “Bagotá”, which seeks to position traditional gastronomy as a cultural and economic asset of the city, in order to boost the city’s economy, from the bases, supporting the micro and small entrepreneurs in the sector.
For four days, more than 60 restaurants and pickets located in the district squares will offer the public its traditional or creative version, of one of the most beloved dishes by the Bogota, such as fritanga; in which black pudding, rib, pump, sausage, Creole potato, arepa, stuffed, chicken, chili and other local ingredients They combine to give life to a deeply rooted recipe in Colombian popular identity.
This sixth edition will link to the various markets of the country.
IPES courtesy – API
Wilfredo Grajales Rosas, director of the IPES, said that beyond the flavor, the event is also a platform to boost the local economy, since the festival organization projects more than $ 1 billion in economic movement, with estimated sales above 20,000 fritanga boxes.
He also explained that each dish sold represents direct income for families who work in the market places, many of which have found their livelihood and pride in popular cuisine.
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“Fitanga Fest not only celebrates the flavor. It also celebrates the effort of hundreds of families who have made fritanga a living tradition and a decent source of income. Market places are Bogotá’s living heritage, and events like this revitalize them,” said Grajales Rosas.
It should be remembered that Fitanga Fest was born in the middle of the pandemic as a reactivation strategy for market places and that its success was such that in 2023 the Council of Bogotá made it public policy through District Agreement 922, establishing Its continuity and recognizing fritanga as a flagship dish of the Bogota identity.
Fritanga
Istock
In addition to the gastronomic component, the event will include cultural and recreational activities in different squares, so that Bogota, Bogota and tourists approach not only to eat, but also to rediscover these spaces as centers of culture and community.
The 2026 edition also has the support of public sector strategic allies and private, as natural gas, for example, that supports gastronomic infrastructure through its program “Gastronomy to move forward.”
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Likewise, “Davivienda and Daviplata drive popular banking among vendors. Corabastos, Fedearroz, Andina and Colombiana contribute from logistics, the promotion of local products and the recognition of the kitchen as an expression of the country,” explained the director of the IPES.
“This mixture of flavors, tradition and popular economy makes Fitanga Fest more than a festival, it is an identity statement and a call to support local consumption. It is the perfect opportunity to sit at the table, Serve a smoking dish and taste the best of Bogotá, ”said this official.
The Covid-19 crisis gave a push to the evolution of the market places.
Private archive
Those interested can consult the complete program and the participating points through the IPES channels and the district entities, where it is increasingly insisted that the Fitanga Fest 2026 is almost begun and that the plan is served.
Daniel Hernández Naranjo
Portfolio journalist
