Elle Education by Mindway closed out 2025 with a very special gathering that combined a flamenco Zambomba (a traditional Christmas carol) with a unique gastronomic experience, bringing together collaborators and friends of the institution.
The event was organized by Francisco J. López Navarrete, CEO of the organization, and was attended by prominent members of the educational community, including Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, Chair of Fashion Marketing Programs, and Lázaro Rosa-Violán, Chair of Interior Design Programs, along with other special guests.
The gathering, which celebrated creativity, culture, and excellence, reflects Elle Education by Mindway’s commitment to experiences that integrate art, design, and community, closing the year with a festive and collaborative spirit.
Mindway (@mindwayedu) is the international design and innovation school for creative minds. ELLE Education (@elle.education) was born from Mindway, in academic collaboration with Camilo José Cela University. With an educational approach focused on the present and future of the creative industries, the institution offers highly specialized programs to train the next generation of leaders in fashion, design, communication, and management. It offers certificates, diplomas, master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and an MBA tailored to the needs of today’s world.
An international community connected to the industry.
Students from over 50 countries, a faculty of active professionals, collaborations with global brands, and a growing alumni network make ELLE Education by Mindway a unique, creative learning environment deeply connected to the industry.
An exceptional collaboration from Tu Retiro Flamenco
Turetiro Flamenco is an educational and artistic project born from the desire to bring flamenco to life through a real and experiential journey, beyond the classroom. The initiative proposes that students practice and delve deeper into this art form in authentic contexts, where flamenco is experienced naturally, fostering direct, conscious learning deeply connected to its essence.
The project is driven by Carmen Cervantes and Sara Ramos, flamenco dancers and teachers with over twenty-five years of experience in the field. Both combine a solid stage career with extensive teaching experience, allowing them to offer high-quality training based on a deep understanding of tradition and a contemporary vision of flamenco. Among the activities organized by Turetiro Flamenco are traditional Christmas carol gatherings (zambombas), flamenco camps in Jerez, and events surrounding the Feria de Abril (April Fair), conceived as spaces for community, learning, and cultural exchange. In addition, each of its creators also works individually, developing their own workshops, classes, and performances. Turetiro Flamenco presents itself as a proposal committed to excellence, authenticity and the dissemination of flamenco as a living heritage.
Exceptional Collaborators
The Colosimo restaurant was one of the collaborators, a benchmark of Cádiz tradition and flavor in Madrid, specializing in slow-cooked cuisine with a traditional base and seasonal products. Their potato omelet, which attendees were able to sample, is considered one of the best in Madrid.
The Barbadillo wineries added an Andalusian touch to this Christmas celebration, a unique gathering in Madrid where attendees could taste wines from Barbadillo and Bodegas Pirineos, the founder of the Somontano region. Respect for the past and origins. Commitment to the future and technology. Representing the Barbadillo wineries at the event were Joaquín Barbadillo, Vice President, and Ignacio Barbadillo.
Empanadas Malvón, a chain specializing in the production, sale, and distribution of handmade Argentinian empanadas, founded in 2017 in Madrid, was another of our most special collaborators. The Spanish chain, specializing in Argentinian empanadas, has 94 stores in Spain and three more in Porto, Portugal, and an expansion plan this year that includes opening franchises in the United States and Canada, as well as ambitious expansion plans in Europe, in addition to high revenue.
Homemade croquettes with gourmet quality, delicious croquettes, the best croquettes in the world.
We also had the opportunity to sample the exceptional croquettes from Croquetas Ricas, a family-run bakery that makes gourmet croquettes for those who want a homemade product of the highest quality, made with local ingredients. Florencio Sanchildrián, the founder and owner, seeing the potential of croquettes but the lack of quality in many options, has committed to this project, focusing on artisanal production with premium ingredients (milk, Asturian butter, Iberian ham) to recreate the traditional homemade flavor. This has resulted in great success at fairs and has won over many palates. The Barranco’s Food group offers an exceptional culinary experience where passion and tradition merge, providing chefs and restaurants with exceptional gourmet dishes where quality is paramount. Barrafina offered us their exceptional ham. This traditional eatery, located in the Matadero-Arganzuela neighborhood, is owned by Luis Alcazar and features traditional dishes. Specialties include cured beef croquettes, Madrid stew, porcini mushrooms, cod omelet, and Extremadura black pudding.
Mónico’s House
Mónico’s House offered its most refined gourmet experience with delicious cakes and its traditional Three Kings’ Day cakes.
Mónico is the oldest catering company in Madrid, having recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. It all began in 1940 when Don Carlos Albert, son of the Marquesses of Alhucema, opened a small tea room on the Paseo de Recoletos in Madrid, inspired by the legendary New York café Delmonico’s, with the aim of providing employment for his former staff. It soon became a fashionable establishment frequented by the cream of the capital’s elite and high society. In 1995, they acquired “Mónico’s House,” which boasts an English-style garden and rooms suitable for hosting from 15 to 600 guests. In 1998, they added “El Cortijo,” a vast Andalusian-style estate spanning over 3 hectares, filled with gardens and buildings that can accommodate a considerable number of diners.
Today, it is the leading group in the management of high-end estates for events, whose mission is to guarantee unique experiences tailored to each client’s needs. It currently owns four prestigious private estates in Madrid: La Casa de Mónico, El Cortijo de Mónico, El Soto de Mónico, and La Cañada de Mónico.
