The Caribbean’s largest barbecue festival returns with global reach

The barbecue festival will offer tastings of St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, steak, beef brisket and vegetarian options in a family-friendly atmosphere with live options in a family-friendly atmosphere with live

By The Star Staff

The Miller Lite BBQ Grilling Wars barbecue competition returns for its third edition with a revamped formula and aspirations of positioning itself among the most important gastronomic events worldwide.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 21, at Independence Square, between Roberto Clemente Coliseum and Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Hato Rey.

“On Saturday, we will transform Independence Square into the largest barbecue festival and competition on the island,” said José Franceschini, a member of the Puerto Rico Culinary Events Conglomerate (PRICEC) board of directors, in a written statement. “Participants will compete for cash prizes, trips to competitions in the United States, and the grand title of best Pitmasters team in Puerto Rico.”

The event will bring together more than 30 professional and amateur teams, who will be judged by renowned chefs and experts from Texas and Puerto Rico. The festival will offer tastings of St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, steak, beef brisket and vegetarian options in a family-friendly atmosphere with live music and other entertainment.

“We are excited to be able to host a world-class event like the Miller Lite BBQ Grilling Wars for the third consecutive year,” said Jaime Villamil of Imagenda and PRICEC. Villamil also confirmed that organizers have already begun talks with the World Food Championship to expand the event’s reach.

The festival will also feature chef Ángel Antonio Muñoz, the runner-up at a Grilling Wars event in Dallas, who will serve as chef in charge of quality and regulations for the competition.

VIP tickets will be available for exclusive pre-sale today, May 13, at 11:59 p.m. through Gustazos.com. VIP tickets include unlimited food, preferential entry, a commemorative glass and shopping credit.

More details are available by visiting social media @bbqgrillingwars or calling 939-244-2478.