38th Celiac Festival, the most massive gluten-free event

2022/12/12

Bring together restaurants, shops and brands in the same space at a gluten-free food fair. That is the objective of the 38th Celiac Festival, an event organized by the Celiac and Gluten Sensitive Association and which has been taking place for 37 years to bring together the main brands in the sector and the celiac and gluten-sensitive collective.

On Saturday, December 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., the 38th Celiac Festival will be held in the Convention Pavilion of the Casa de Campo in Madrid. This is an event organized by the Association of Celiacs and Sensitive to Gluten and which is the most massive gluten-free food fair in our country.

In figures prior to the pandemic, this event brought together more than 6,000 people in a single day, who look forward to the Festival every year as a meeting point for numerous specialized brands. In the enclosure there will be twenty brands that will present their news and special promotions to the public. Workshops and activities for children and adults are also organized to spend a festive and family day around gluten-free food. Get to know the establishments in Madrid endorsed by the association onthis route .

“Most of the attendees come back every year and look forward to holding this event, where they can take everything that is offered at the stands and make all their purchases in the same place ” explains Roberto Espina, director of the Association.

About celiac disease

Celiac disease is a pathology of immunological origin that is triggered in people who, in addition to presenting a genetic predisposition, react inappropriately to the gluten they eat with food. It affects 1% of the population and, even today, for every diagnosed patient there are between 5 and 8 undiagnosed. It can manifest at any age and affect any function of the body, not exclusively the digestive function. Many patients present mild digestive symptoms (gas, constipation, bloating...) while they suffer more severe endocrine, autoimmune, dermatological, reproductive, rheumatological or neurological problems.

About the gluten-free diet

Gluten is a complex protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Products that incorporate derivatives of these cereals as raw material, as an ingredient or as a contaminant should be avoided by celiac patients. Although the regulations regarding labeling have improved significantly, it remains to be adequately guaranteed gluten-free food in catering establishments, where ignorance on the part of the staff and the risk of cross-contamination are the great enemies when eating out. .

About the Association of Celiacs and Sensitive to Gluten:

The Association for Celiacs and Gluten Sensitives of the Community of Madrid is a private non-profit entity with more than 35 years of history and which currently has more than 9,000 members. It was declared of public utility in 1997 by the Ministry of the Interior. Its main lines of work are focused on providing support and advice to this group, providing specialized training to health professionals and the hospitality sector, promoting research and making the pathology known in society, all with the aim of improving the quality of life of patients.