Madrid iconic boiled dinner sets out to conquer New York aboard the "Juan Sebastián Elcano"

A delegation from the Cofradía Gastronómica del Cocido Madrileño (Madrid Boiled Dinner Gastronomic Brotherhood) is preparing to cross the Atlantic from July 3 to 8 with a goal that promises to make history: preparing an authentic Cocido Madrileño aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano while docked in New York Harbor.

The event will take place on July 7 at 7:00 PM, symbolically marking "Cocido Madrileño Day" aboard the iconic vessel. This initiative supports the recently achieved designation of *Cocido Madrileño* as an Intangible Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC), reinforcing the role of traditional Spanish cuisine as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy on the global stage.

A journey flavored by tradition and high-level diplomacy

The project began taking shape last December. On January 18, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Brotherhood named the Juan Sebastián de Elcano as its Ambassador, presenting a plaque to its commanding officer, Captain José María de la Puente Mora-Figueroa. They also provided two kilograms of chickpeas from La Garbancera Madrileña—carried as a "guest of honor" in the ship's pantry—for this 98th midshipman training cruise, which set sail from Cádiz on January 10 and concludes on July 31.

However, the chickpeas that will star in the grand New York banquet traveled in the holds of the amphibious assault ship Castilla. Upon the fleet's arrival in New York, top-quality meat ingredients—necessary to serve the more than 150 guests—will be added, thanks to the crucial collaboration and logistical support of the Spanish company DESPAÑA Brand Foods, based in New York.

The event will be attended by a significant institutional delegation, including authorities from both countries, members of the diplomatic corps, prominent social and cultural figures, and international influencers based in the U.S. city. "This event will establish Cocido Madrileño as Spain's gastronomic and cultural ambassador to the world, uniting our culinary heritage with the historical ties that bind us to the United States," says Nacho Sandoval, Grand Master of the Cofradía del Cocido Madrileño (Brotherhood of Cocido Madrileño or brotherhood of Madrid boiled dinner).

Sail4th 250: The greatest naval spectacle in modern history

This gastronomic event will coincide with an unprecedented military and maritime display. From July 3 to 9, 2026, the Port of New York will host Sail4th 250, an event merging the legendary OpSail with the U.S. Navy’s 7th International Fleet Review to mark the 250th anniversary of United States independence.

International Deployment: More than 60 historic sailing ships from 30 countries and dozens of modern military vessels will escort the exhibition on the Hudson River, accompanied by a flyover of over 100 aircraft in formation.

Spanish Presence: Spain will showcase its naval might with the Juan Sebastián de Elcano and the five ships comprising the "Atlantic Deployment 26" Expeditionary Combat Group (led by the LHD Juan Carlos I, alongside the Castilla, the frigates Blas de Lezo and Reina Sofía, and the replenishment ship Patiño).

Air Forces: The Spanish Air and Space Force will also play an active role in the military events scheduled for this major U.S. national celebration.

The majestic cruise ship Queen Mary 2 will stand as an honorary witness to the grand "Parade of Sail" off the Statue of Liberty—an occasion where the aroma and pride of Cocido Madrileño will fly high atop the mast of Spanish diplomacy.

Madrid-style stew conquers New York aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano