Chefs for Children 2026 returns to the Costa del Sol with a clear purpose, bringing together some of Spain’s most respected chefs in Benahavís to raise awareness and funds for families affected by rare diseases.
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What Chefs for Children 2026 actually is
Chefs for Children 2026 is not simply a culinary event. It is a structured initiative that brings together gastronomy, education, and philanthropy in a single day. Now in its eighth edition, the event has become a recognised fixture on the Costa del Sol calendar, combining hands-on cooking experiences with a formal charity gala. Its focus is clear, to raise awareness of rare diseases while promoting healthy eating habits from an early age.
This year’s edition continues that model, using food not as spectacle, but as a tool for connection.
When and where it takes place
The 2026 event is scheduled for 20 April at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort, a setting that reflects the scale and positioning of the initiative. Located in Benahavís, the venue has become closely associated with the event, hosting it for the fourth consecutive year.
It brings together the hospitality sector, local institutions, and international attention in a single environment, reinforcing the Costa del Sol’s ability to host events that go beyond tourism.
The chefs and scale of the event
The numbers behind Chefs for Children 2026 are what define it. A total of 60 chefs will participate, including 12 chefs holding three Michelin stars. This is not a symbolic gathering. It is a concentration of some of Spain’s highest-level culinary talent.
What makes the event distinct is the way that talent is used. Rather than focusing purely on fine dining, the chefs step into a more informal, collaborative role, working directly with children and students.
José Carlos García, one of the participating Michelin-starred chefs, describes the atmosphere as unexpectedly personal, recalling moments of cooking, laughter, and interaction that go far beyond a traditional kitchen environment.
The purpose behind the initiative
At its core, Chefs for Children 2026 is built around a very specific objective. All funds raised from the event are directed to the Feder, an organisation representing families affected by rare diseases across Spain. There are more than 7,000 identified rare diseases worldwide, affecting approximately 300 million people globally and around three million in Spain alone. These conditions, defined by their low prevalence, often lack visibility, funding, and support.
Rosa Elba, speaking on behalf of Feder, highlighted this directly, noting that for many families, even basic aspects of daily life can feel like ongoing challenges, and that initiatives like this play a critical role in bringing visibility to their reality.
What happens during the day
The structure of the event is split into two distinct parts. During the day, chefs work directly with children and hospitality students in a collaborative cooking environment. The focus is on teaching healthy eating habits, using simple, accessible ingredients and encouraging a more conscious approach to food. Children cook, learn, and engage directly with chefs who, in other contexts, operate at the highest level of the industry.
In the evening, the format shifts to a charity gala dinner brings together guests for a multi-course experience designed and executed by Michelin-starred chefs from across the region. The focus here is on raising funds, but also on reinforcing the connection between gastronomy and community.
Why it resonates beyond the kitchen
What gives Chefs for Children 2026 its relevance is not just the cause, but the way it is delivered. It connects multiple layers:
- Education
- Health
- Community
- Hospitality
Local institutions have also reinforced this positioning.
The mayor of Benahavís, José Antonio Mena, described the event as a privilege for the town, highlighting its role in bringing visibility to an issue that often goes unnoticed.At the same time, regional representatives emphasised the importance of linking gastronomy with local agricultural and fishery products, reinforcing Andalucía’s broader identity.
“This kind of initiative shows how the hospitality sector can give back in a meaningful way,” notes Javier Fiera, general manager of the host hotel.
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