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Mérida Celebrates Pueblos del Maíz Festival

A celebration that honors the diversity and cultural legacy of corn.

2023-05-22 | merida

Throughout history, corn has been a staple and culturally significant food for the Mexican population, and its presence in the Yucatan region is especially relevant, as it has been cultivated in the area for thousands of years.

The ancient Maya already cultivated and consumed corn in their daily diet, and this tradition has been maintained over time. Today, corn is an essential component in Yucatecan cuisine and is used in a wide variety of traditional dishes, such as cochinita pibil, panuchos, salbutes, and papadzules, among others.

In addition, corn also has a solid connection to the cultural identity and worldview of the region. The Mayan civilization considered corn a sacred gift from the gods and attributed symbolic meaning to it in their myths and rituals. Even today, corn is present in various traditional festivities and ceremonies in Yucatán, such as Hanal Pixán (Day of the Dead) and patron saint festivals.

What is Pueblos del Maíz?

Pueblos del Maíz is an event rich in gastronomy, culture, and entertainment. Above all, it is an event that seeks to highlight the current process to trace the origin and journey of corn throughout its supply chain, from its production to its distribution and sale. It is also a festival that connects the cities of Mérida and Puebla with the U.S. cities of Tucson and San Antonio to promote a local economic revival, gastronomic tourism, cultural exchange, and collaboration of these 4 entities that have in common the use of corn in their daily diet since ancient times.

Activities that take place during the Pueblos del Maíz festival.

Chefs' exchange.

As part of the activities, the participating cities of Tucson, Arizona, and San Antonio, Texas, with the host chef from Mérida, will offer a gastronomic experience related to corn.

In the 2023 edition, Mérida has the participation of Chef Roderick LeDesma; Executive Sous Chef of Casino del Sol, who has worked in the restaurant industry for 17 years.

In Tucson, Arizona, Yucatecan chef David Luna, a Mérida representative, promotes Mexican gastronomy and culture, taking his recipes to Argentina, Paraguay, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the United States.

Finally, in San Antonio, Texas, chef Juanita Selene, who co-founded Molino Pancho Maíz and had the opportunity to participate in the October 2020 edition of Food and Wine magazine in Spanish as one of the Best New Chefs, also represents Mérida in the Pueblos del Maíz 2023 edition.

Gastronomic corridor.

What would an event that evokes corn's gastronomic, cultural, and social richness be without a space to taste dishes, drinks, and desserts made with this grain? Experts in the field, such as Los Almendros, Holoch, Círculo 47, Don Pibito, Axolosquite, and many more, are part of the gastronomic corridor of the event that takes place at Calle 50, Parque de la Mejorada.

“Tucson, San Antonio, and Mérida have a gastronomic experience related to corn.”

Shows.

Enter a world of emotions, vibrant music, and performances from another era. Whether you are a lover of music or dance or are looking for a different experience, this event has something for everyone, with performances by PokTaPok (ball game), Chepe Yucatán (Rap in Maya), Los Juglares, Grupo la Siembra, and DJ Gary. Connect with the passion and talent of these artists and be thrilled by their art at Pueblos del Maíz.