Spanish UN Troops in Southern Lebanon Reactivate the ‘Sancho Panza’ Programme

• Through this cooperation program, BRILIB XLII encourages cultural exchange and strengthens community cohesion by promoting traditional Spanish gastronomy

As part of their ongoing civil-military cooperation efforts, the Spanish contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), operating under BRILIB XLII, has relaunched the ‘Sancho Panza’ programme at the Technical School of Marjayoun. The initiative—dormant for the past two years due to security concerns—aims to promote cultural exchange and reinforce community cohesion through the dissemination of traditional Spanish cuisine.

Spanish peacekeepers deployed in UNIFIL’s Eastern Sector have resumed this outreach activity to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening ties with the local civilian population. The ‘Sancho Panza’ programme is specifically designed to foster cultural understanding by teaching the preparation of emblematic Spanish dishes. Through hands-on sessions held across various Lebanese towns, Spanish troops share culinary knowledge while encouraging enriching intercommunity dialogue between Spanish personnel and Lebanese citizens.

In preparation for the relaunch, participating service members received specialised training prior to deployment. This training took place in the kitchens of Cerro Muriano Base (Córdoba)—home to the ‘Guzmán el Bueno’ X Brigade—and was delivered in cooperation with the San Valero Group, a distinguished Spanish organisation known for its comprehensive training in gastronomy. The programme included cooking workshops and master classes, led by professionals such as Michelin-starred chef Manuel Alonso.

Launch of the ‘Sancho Panza’ Initiative

The inaugural session was held at the Technical School of Marjayoun, with 25 students aged between 17 and 25 in attendance. Appropriately, the opening class focused on the preparation of paella, one of Spain’s most iconic dishes—already familiar and appreciated by many in southern Lebanon.

To support the institution and facilitate continued learning, Spanish personnel presented a donation of kitchen equipment and utensils, transported from Spain, to Mr Bassam Lahoud, the School Director. Mr Lahoud expressed gratitude for both the tangible support and the close rapport the Spanish Armed Forces continue to maintain with the local population.

This initiative not only enhances cultural dialogue and promotes Spanish gastronomy, but also stands as a symbol of solidarity and Spain’s ongoing commitment to community development and stability in southern Lebanon.

Spain’s Role in UNIFIL

The Spanish Armed Forces have been deployed in Lebanon since September 2006, under Operation ‘Libre Hidalgo’, led operationally by the Operations Command (MOPS in Spanish). The bulk of the contingent is based at Camp ‘Miguel de Cervantes’, near Marjayoun—home to the Eastern Sector Headquarters, which is under Spanish command. Spanish forces are also present at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura, currently led by Spanish Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz.

At present, over 650 Spanish troops are deployed in Lebanon as part of BRILIB XLII, working to ensure compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. Despite the peace agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon in November—following weeks of armed conflict that left numerous towns and infrastructure in ruins—the security situation remains highly volatile. In response, UNIFIL and, by extension, the Spanish contingent, are focused on enhancing security, providing basic services, and supporting the local population’s return to normality.