Happy Easter! These are the best monas and toñas from Alicante Gastronómica

Although Easter still seems far away, the province of Alicante has no problem in de-seasonalizing its desserts.

This time it was to find out which are the best toñas and monas from Levante.

Alicante Gastronómica held the second edition of this contest, which had 16 finalist bakeries. The gold of the contest went to Delicias de San Miguel bakery, located in the town of San Miguel de Salinas. The podium of this toñas and monas contest is completed by Forn Mariu bakery from Ibi, with a second place, and L'Antiga Rebosteria from Altea, third prize.

From the Alicante Gastronómica Fair they explain that these pieces are a very appreciated traditional product in many towns of the province. Therefore, the contest aims to claim their value and enhance the peculiarities of production in each region's bakeries.

The toñas and monas are made in traditional family-run artisan bakeries in each locality. A recipe book that, even in the professional field, is passed down through family generations.

The award was presented by the director of Alicante Gastronómica, Gema Amor, and Fidel Bernabéu, from Harinas La Encarnación, sponsor of the contest.

The jury was composed of Diego Marín, Raúl Asencio, Fran Segura, Fidel Rico, Jonathan Armengol, Juana Martínez and Carlos Gumiel, all of them renowned professionals with great experience in the world of artisanal pastry and bakery.

The finalists participating in this edition were Manuela Hernández from Obrador Fet a Mà (Santa Pola); Nicolás Sequeira from Casa Bernardi Bakery (Benissa); Juan Algado from Nou Dolç22 (Finestrat); Pepe Llavador from Santa Marine (Alicante); Carles Llinares from L'Antiga Rebosteria (Altea); Rubén Vicente Aniorte from Delicias de San Miguel de Salinas; Francisco José Manzano from Panadería Manzano Pujalte (Murcia); Juan Ramón Martínez from Delicias del Horno (Caravaca); Juan Francisco Gómez from Panadería Mundopan (Torrevieja); Pastelería Amada (Alicante); Santi Mariel from Forn Mariu (Ibi); Willy Ban from Le Fourmil de Jules; Ana de Dios Sirvent from Panadería Sirvent (Novelda); Juan de Dios Sirvent from Panadería Polo (Novelda); and Paqui Deltell from Pastelería Rafael Frías (Alicante).