The aroma of mbeju and paella will fill the grounds of Jubilados Bancarios in Asunción on Sunday June 1. But behind the irresistible aromas of The Teletón Feast Asunción (La Comilona de Teletón) you will find something stronger: solidarity.
Now in its 42nd edition, La Comilona is not merely a food festival, but a national tradition. The fest aims to raise money in support of the Teletón Foundation’s rehabilitation and inclusion plans for children with physical disabilities.
This year’s edition in Praguay’s capital has more than 100 stalls, 600 cooks, and a promise to satisfy with dishes from all over the world. This year’s theme Full Tummy, Happy Heart (Barriguita llena, Corazón Contento) feels like a promise kept.
Dedicated fanclub at Teletón Feast Asunción
Among hundreds of booths, there is one whose story is entwined with music, dessert, and genuine devotion. A Tu Vera Sanz Paraguay, the official fanclub of Spanish singer and songwriter Alejandro Sanz’s, will be selling the cakes, brownies, and sugar-coated biscuits.
Though the Spanish singer is best known for hits like Corazón Partío and Amiga Mía, Sanz is also famous for his charity work and motivational speeches. Likewise, the fan club work is much more than selling sweets.
“It is our second year doing this, but our first as an official club since we received this status from our artist,” states Vera Martínez, president of the fanclub of the Spanish singer, who has become popular with his poetic lyrics and flamenco fused Latin and pop.
“Since we began as A tu vera Sanz Paraguay, we try to make sure that the mark we leave is worth something. Que la huella que vayamos dejando merezca la pena, as our beloved Alejandro Sanz would tell us. Which means exactly that.”
Principles of empathy and solidarity
“We believe that being a fan goes a lot further than enjoying music”, Martínez continues. “We feel it also entails adopting the principles of empathy, solidarity and social commitment that Sanz turns into reality. As such, participating in the Teletón Fest is something that makes us proud and dedicated. It is our way of converting the love we have for Ale into acts that benefit those who need it most.”
A tu vera Sanz Paraguay will have a variety of homemade sweet treats at The Teletón Feast Asunción, all prepared by members and their families. “We will have cakes, brownies, cookies and some Paraguayan traditional sweets. All made with love, because every bite is our contribution towards the great work that Teletón does.”
For the fan club, doing La Comilona is not just about paying back but a practice of living out the very ideals their favorite singer sings about. “It touches our hearts to think that, as a fan club, we can be involved in something so noble. We are big believers in the power of community when it comes together for the greater good.”
For those who would like to learn more about the club’s ongoing charitable work, visit A Tu Vera Sanz on Instagram.
The Teléton Feast Asunción
Celebrations begin on Sundag June 1 at 9:00 AM with Zumba dances, followed by live music, children’s games, and multinational food options. Those stretch from traditional barbecue (asado), to tasty pasta dishes. The mythical chipa Pipo bus will make an appearance on the grounds, and people from the Festival Nacional del Mbeju will bring authentic flavor from General Resquín.
The fair is pet-friendly and sponsored by brands such as Coca Cola, Ochsi, Itaú, and Amandau. Admission is free with advance reservation on tuti.com.py.
For more information, find La Comilona de Teletón on Instagram. The Teletón Feast in Alto Paraná recently raised Gs. 303M for children with disabilities.
