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Mérida Celebrates Pueblos del Maíz Festival

Diversity And Cultural Heritage

2024-05-06 | 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 2024 is an event rich in gastronomy, culture, entertainment, and above all, it is an event that seeks to highlight the current process of tracing the origin and journey of corn throughout its entire supply chain, from production to distribution and sale. It is also a festival that connects the city of Mérida with the U.S. cities of Tucson and San Antonio and the Italian towns of Bérgamo and Gandino to promote local economic revitalization, gastronomic tourism, cultural exchange, and collaboration among these 5 entities that share the everyday use of corn in their daily diet since ancient times.

Activities That Take Place During the Pueblos del Maíz Festival

In 2024, Mérida joins this celebration to promote the work done by producers, chefs, and promoters of this ingredient, always highlighting its value in our culture and strengthening ties with other communities.

During May, in different restaurants throughout the city, you can enjoy this product from the Yucatan through dishes prepared by local chefs, accompanied by a commemorative beer crafted with an original recipe created by the participating cities.

From May 30th to June 2nd, at the Ermita and San Sebastián neighborhoods, you can experience an event that narrates the significance of corn for the people of Yucatan through a showcase of street food, artistic performances, outdoor exhibitions, and activities that allow the recognition, learning, and visibility of Yucatecan traditions.

“Mérida, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrates Pueblos del Maíz 2024”

Visit the White City! We Are Waiting For You at Our Hotel in Mérida.

Pueblos del Maíz 2024 is an event organized by and for the cities' inhabitants and visitors, building a celebration around this ancestral ingredient.

To enjoy this and other events, get to know our hotel in downtown Mérida and book your room directly on ourwebsite.