The community of Luruaco recently gathered to learn about the preliminary details of an exciting new project: the construction of a "Plaza de la Arepa con Huevo." Residents were invited to actively participate in the development of this space, designed to honor and elevate the town’s culinary tradition. Governor Eduardo Verano, during the project’s introduction at the Casa de la Cultura auditorium, urged the community to aspire for continuous improvement, saying, “Let’s ensure Luruaco doesn’t fall behind and that its people always strive to be better.”

Governor Verano highlighted Luruaco's heritage with the iconic arepa de huevo, a national gastronomic symbol, and encouraged the community to leverage this cultural asset. He pointed to the economic successes seen in neighboring towns, such as Baranoa’s Chicharrón Festival, which generated over $600 million in revenue, and Polonuevo’s Cerdo y Yuca Festival, which attracted 14,000 visitors and brought in $625 million. With the creation of a dedicated plaza, the governor envisions a similar boost in tourism and economic growth for Luruaco.

The "Arepa de Huevo Plaza" project, managed by the Governor’s Office of Plazas and Parks, responds to long-standing requests from the community, especially the matronas, the respected women who have maintained this culinary tradition. Construction is expected to begin early next year and take approximately 12 months, aiming for a grand opening during the 2026 festival.

This 40,000-square-meter facility will include an administrative area, public restrooms, a training hall, a plaza for events, a children’s playground, green spaces, 70 stalls for the matronas, 6 artisan shops, and ample parking. A monument dedicated to the arepa de huevo will serve as a tribute to this beloved delicacy. The entire plaza will be built on a 4-hectare site, recently acquired by the municipality, with budget adjustments based on input from the community.

Luruaco’s Mayor, Ameth Juan Hanna, encouraged the town’s residents—96% of whom are of Afro-Colombian heritage—to embrace this "successful" project, which aims to harness the town’s tourism potential while preserving cultural traditions. “This is a popular initiative from our people, especially our matronas. It fulfills a long-standing need, marking a new chapter in transforming this tradition,” he stated.

Jorge Ávila, head of the Governor’s Office of Plazas and Parks, noted that the project will bring urban renewal to Luruaco. “The plaza will have public space for large events, complete with a stage, restrooms, furniture, lighting, green areas, and children’s play zones,” Ávila explained, adding that it will enhance the quality of life for the residents of Luruaco.

Marisabella Romero, Secretary of Economic Development, emphasized the economic potential the plaza represents for Luruaco’s residents. “This will foster significant economic growth around the town’s primary activity. As part of our SER program, we’ve helped Luruaco’s farmer's access resources for corn production, a key ingredient in arepa de huevo,” Romero said. She also highlighted the town’s integration into poultry farming programs, linking egg production directly to the matronas’ craft.

The Economic Development Office plans to provide training in food handling and offer certifications to support the matronas as they transition to a larger tourism role. Each matrona will receive assistance to expand their business operations, ensuring high-quality and safe products for visitors.

Verónica Cantillo, Secretary of Culture and Heritage, noted that the plaza will provide the matronas with a stable space to practice and pass on their craft. “This will bring significant change, not only preserving the culinary tradition but complementing it with the rich cultural expressions that define us as Atlanticenses,” Cantillo said.

Mileydis Coronado Redondo, president of the Association of Arepa de Huevo Producers of Luruaco (Asopral), expressed her gratitude, remarking, “We’ve waited over four years for this news. This plaza won’t just be for the festival but will allow for numerous comfortable events. We often have to set up in tight spaces, so I hope this plaza truly serves our needs.”