AMI GALA 2026 Monaco Celebrates Puerto Rico Through Diplomatic Gastronomy During an Exceptional Evening
- luxevariemagazine
- May 11
- 4 min read
Updated: May 15
Monaco, May 7, 2026 – Gala AMI 2026 — Monaco célèbre Porto Rico. The Monégasque Ibero-American Association (AMI), presided over by Mrs. Erika Sheramin BEAUSEIGNEUR and represented alongside Vice-President Mrs. Susana PERDIGUERO DE SEGOVIA, organized an exceptional charity gala on May 7th, bringing together institutional personalities, partners, artists, and international guests around a shared ambition: to promote dialogue between cultures through diplomatic gastronomy, the true guiding thread of each of our editions.
Designed as a bridge between Monaco and Puerto Rico, this event illustrated the power of gastronomy as a tool for cultural connection, transmission, and international cooperation.
This edition, dedicated to Puerto Rico, was born from a close collaboration between AMI, Dr. Jesús David SUÁREZ, and Mrs. Lissette GUZMAN, President and Vice-President of RMG Group Art & Culture. Together, they initiated this cultural and gastronomic project in partnership with the association and contributed significantly to its coordination and international visibility.
High-Level Authorities in Attendance
The evening was honored by the presence of Mr. Olivier WENDEN, Chief of Staff representing H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco; Mr. Lionel BEFFRE, Minister of the Interior; Mr. Christophe ROBINO, Minister of Social Affairs and Health; as well as Mr. Jean-Philippe VINCI, Director of National Education, Youth and Sports, alongside numerous representatives of the Princely Government. Their presence highlighted the importance of this event within Monaco’s cultural and associative landscape, as well as the growing interest in initiatives centered on cultural and gastronomic diplomacy.
Puerto Rico in the Spotlight
The AMI Gala welcomed an important Puerto Rican delegation, including Mr. Billy OCASIO and Mr. Jaime MOCTEZUMA, respectively President and General Director of the National Museum of Puerto Rico in Chicago; Mr. Carlos RUIZ, former Secretary of Culture of the Government of Puerto Rico; and of course Dr. Jesús David SUÁREZ and Mrs. Lissette GUZMAN. Throughout the evening, the soul of Puerto Rico came alive through visual projections, music, traditional Puerto Rican Plena dance performances, and an exceptional gastronomic experience orchestrated by a brigade of guest chefs specially invited for the occasion:
Chef Raul J. CORREA SOTO
Chef Manolo LÓPEZ
Chef René MARICHAL MORALES
Chef Xavier PACHECO
These ambassadors of Puerto Rican gastronomy presented an exclusive dinner showcasing the island’s iconic flavors and products, perfectly illustrating AMI’s vision of diplomatic gastronomy: creating meaningful connections between people through cuisine, traditions, and the sharing of cultural expertise.
Each chef received a distinction in recognition of their contribution to this exceptional evening.
A special tribute was also paid to chefs Dave NARVAEZ and Lourdes PLUVINAGE, loyal culinary partners of AMI. The evening’s mixology was curated by Guillermo ABRIL, whose creations delighted the guests.
Guillermo Abril leads our mixology program. With more than ten years of experience, he has played a key role in shaping the island’s food and culture scene, creating events that unite top chefs, luxury brands, and enthusiastic audiences. His work brings together food, culture, and creativity, making each event a special experience. Guillermo founded Culinary U and Think Spotlight.
Students of Lycée Rainier III at the Heart of the Gala’s Success
The Hospitality School of Lycée Rainier III of Monaco played an essential role in the success of this 2026 edition. As part of this diplomatic gastronomy initiative, students participated the day before the gala in an exceptional masterclass organized with the Puerto Rican chefs. This educational experience allowed them to discover Puerto Rico’s traditional products, culinary heritage, and preparation techniques featured during the gala dinner.
On the evening of the event, the students demonstrated professionalism and dedication in every aspect of the gala: in the kitchen, service areas, and guest reception. Their commitment, discipline, and elegance were unanimously praised by attendees and international teams present. AMI extends its sincere gratitude to the Princely Government for its loyal support, particularly to the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports for its continuous involvement alongside the association year after year.
A special thank you is also extended to the administration of Lycée Rainier III of Monaco for its dedication and support in this educational, cultural, and diplomatic project of international scope.
A Prestigious Artistic and Musical Program
The evening was elevated by two haute couture fashion shows featuring the creations of Giannina AZAR and LORRIVE by Lorena RIVERO. Footwear was provided by DI IORIO Monaco and jewelry by JOUD’S Jewelry.
Musically, internationally renowned producer Maestro Ángel CUCCO PEÑA created exclusive arrangements specially designed for the AMI Gala, performed live by classical musicians from the Ensemble de Monte-Carlo. On two occasions, his performances transported guests into a world of rare emotion and musical beauty. Violinist Santiago FALCON then delivered a remarkable electric violin performance, followed by artist Maikel LEÓN (Phantom Power MK), singer, songwriter, and world music DJ, who energized the dance floor until the end of the night. The evening was hosted by longtime friend Ferxel FOURGON, while audiovisual production was carried out by FILMEDIA.
Miss Universe 2025
The gala had the distinguished honor of welcoming Miss Universe 2025, Fátima BOSCH FERNÁNDEZ, whose radiant presence added even greater brilliance to this prestigious evening.
An Evening Dedicated to Generosity
The gala also featured a charitable raffle, with the grand prize being a certified emerald offered by Libero MAZZONE, symbolizing the spirit of solidarity championed by AMI and its partners.
AMI warmly thanks all sponsors and partners for their trust and support:
Or’Addict Gold, Henry de Bellegarde, Classic Caspian Caviar, Joud’s, Giannina Azar, Lorrive, Marie-Christine, Di Iorio Monaco, La Hispana, Lamborghini Club Monaco, Colombian Emeralds, SMR, Dra Ana Vila Joya Medicina Estética, Happynest, The Mall Sanremo, Maextro, and Eaux Minérales 808.
This evening was the result of extraordinary collective effort. Many individuals, whether behind the scenes or under the spotlight, contributed to its success through their generosity, talent, and commitment. They will recognize themselves in these words — and it is to them as well that AMI extends its most sincere and heartfelt gratitude.
At the intersection of culture, diplomacy, and luxury, the AMI Gala 2026 in Monaco offered more than an event — it created an international celebration of Puerto Rican excellence.
— Luxe Varié Magazine
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