A Culinary Encounter Celebrating Ancestral Flavors
On May 24, the magical town of Tepoztlán in Morelos will host the Sixth Encounter of Traditional Cooks from Morelos and Mexico City. The event will take place at the Dilao Sculptural Garden, offering free admission to all, allowing everyone to immerse in the rich ancestral culinary offerings of both entities.
Part of the Road to Tianguis Turístico 2025
This gathering is not an isolated event but part of activities leading to the Tianguis Turístico 2025. Its primary goal is to elevate traditional cuisine as a living heritage, preserving not just flavors but also biodiversity, indigenous tastes, and time-honored techniques passed down through countless generations.
Daniel Altafi, Secretary of Tourism for Morelos, expresses his pride:
“I am honored to announce that wise women from various corners of our state will present the best of their traditional cuisine, with dishes steeped in history and made from local ingredients using ancestral techniques. They are the living guardians of our roots, and thanks to their passion and knowledge, we can celebrate the flavor that unites us as Morelenses.”
Careful Selection Process for Participants
The selection of cooks participating in this culinary event was the result of an open call, specifically targeting women who carry valuable culinary knowledge from their communities. The selection process was meticulous, considering essential aspects like the use of genuine local ingredients, respect for ancestral techniques, representation of their regions of origin, and commitment to preserving the vast traditional cuisine of Morelos.
Diverse Group of Cooks
Thanks to this careful process, the gathering managed to bring together an exceptional group reflecting Morelos’ diversity: 16 traditional cooks from various municipalities covering the state’s seven regions, along with 4 invited cooks from Mexico City. All will share their unique flavors and deep knowledge in a celebration of the state’s rich gastronomic heritage. However, the festivities extend beyond cooking; 7 artisans and 4 local producers from Morelos will also be present, showcasing and offering their creations and harvests.
Highlighting the Participants
Traditional Cooks from Morelos:
- Graciela Gómez (Huitzilac)
- Lourdes García (Temixco)
- Santa Bahena (Tepoztlán)
- Ma. Magdalena Alfaro (Totolapan)
- Clara Inés Pérez (Tlayacapan)
- Beatriz Arenas (Tetela del Volcán)
- Cirila Aragón (Hueyapan)
- Irma Álvarez (Amacuzac)
- Margarita Cárdenas (Coatetelco)
- Ma. del Carmen Rivera (Jonacatepec)
- Silvia de León (Temoac)
- Ma. del Carmen Tello (Yautepec)
- Adelina Espinosa (Zacualpan)
- Rosalba Lara (Xoxocotla)
- Josefina Tadeo (Jantetelco)
- Patricia Beltrán (Tepalcingo)
Invited Cooks from Mexico City:
- Gudelia Díaz (Cuajimalpa)
- Araceli Márquez (Tláhuac)
- Martha Retana (Milpa Alta)
- Amalia Salas (Xochimilco)
Participating Artisans:
- Refugio Reves (clay and ritual pottery, Tlayacapan)
- Eleuterio Hernández (stone carving, Jojutla)
- Margarita Torres (waist loom weaving, Hueyapan)
- Daniel Guerrero (waxed wax, Tepoztlán)
- Rodrigo Rojas (paper crafts, Tepoztlán)
- Zenaida Nava (pottery, Cuentepec, Temixco)
- Angélica Salazar (doll and puppet workshop, Cuentepec, Temixco)
Local Producers Present:
- Tania Huitzili (honey, San Andrés de la Cal)
- Noé Donaldo (amaranto, Huazulco)
- Magdiel Valencia (corn, Santa Catarina)
- Beatriz Cruz (cane, Tlaltizapán)
Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Agricultural Lands
This noble initiative also aligns with a broader agenda promoting community tourism and safeguarding valuable agricultural and conservation lands. These include the iconic chinampas and the vital water forest, essential ecosystems for regional ecological balance and food sovereignty.
Altafi Emphasizes Cultural Significance
“Representatives from the state and African communities who have preserved and transmitted ancestral culinary knowledge through generations will participate. Traditional techniques and local products reflecting the soul of our identity will be valued,” says Altafi.
Celebrating Traditional Cuisine
The gathering serves as a crucial platform for traditional cuisines to receive the recognition they deserve, not merely as cultural expressions but as living guardians of culinary knowledge and profound identity that defines Morelos and Mexico City.
Each cook will present a representative dish, meticulously crafted with local ingredients and traditional techniques. These criteria are not arbitrary; they will be part of the award process, encouraging authenticity and quality.
The Importance of Preserving Culinary Heritage
Events like this offer a breath of fresh air, an honest invitation to pause and appreciate our roots. Traditional cooks go beyond mere food preparation; they cultivate identity, care for our territories, and instill dignity in every dish they offer. Preserving and celebrating their legacy is crucial to remember who we are, as each traditional flavor, carefully selected ingredient, and transmitted technique embodies a rich story worth telling, sharing, and celebrating.
