You’ll get the chance to taste traditional and exotic food and drinks from the Mexican Republic, traditional Mexican cuisine that’s been recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2010.
Mexico has an endless number of local dishes in each of its regions and states, with each one representing a unique, once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic experience. As luck would have it, there are several gastronomy fairs and festivals throughout the year that offer food lovers the chance to enjoy the country’s flavours, colours and typical traditions.
Here we bring you a sample of some of the gastronomic events you can enjoy during the year.
May
National Cheese and Wine Fair in Tequisquiapan. State of Querétaro
The State of Querétaro, especially the altiplano and the semi-desert area, has the perfect microclimate for growing grapes, which produce delicious wines, as well as sown fields and pasture that are ideal for producing fresh and mature artisan cow, goat and sheep cheese. The benefits of this incredibly fertile land have led to this wine and cheese fair being celebrated in Tequisquiapan since 1976.
This event takes place from May 31 to June 16 (1,2,7,8,9,14 and 15 included) was initially created to honour the attributes and qualities of two products – cheese and wine – and mix them with the region’s culture and music. You’re sure to have a great time and your taste buds will love you for it.
July
International Mezcal Festival. State of Oaxaca.
This is one festival you have to attend if you consider yourself a mezcal lover. The International Mezcal Festival takes place in the State of Oaxaca at the same time as the Guelaguetza festivities. The original drink from this folkloric area of Mexico is said to be one of the best quality mezcals, and the state is one of the biggest producers in the entire country.
Besides tasting many different varieties, you also get to meet and greet some of the top mezcal distillers, learn about the distillation process and visit the pavilions which are filled with cultural, culinary and artisan attractions.
August
Chile en Nogada Festival. State of Puebla.
This delicious festival takes place every August on the slopes of the Popocatepetl volcano in Calpan. More than 70,000 chiles en nogada are prepared during the festival and visitors can also enjoy different cultural activities, concerts, plays, exhibitions and folkloric dances.
In addition to trying one of the most traditional Mexican dishes, you can also learn about the village, stroll around the historic centre, visit the temples and convents built in the sixteenth century and admire the beautiful landscapes of the Valley of the Volcanoes.
November
Chocolate Festival. State of Tabasco.
Tabasco is the largest producer of cacao in the Mexican Republic and well-known for the quality of its cacao and the tradition of production to obtain the designation of origin.
The festival has been held every year since 2010 in the capital of the state and is a great opportunity to surround yourself with endless products made from chocolate and cacao. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy cultural and musical events and visit the craft market where you can swop cocoa seeds for different articles on sale.
