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traditional Mexican festivals

traditional Mexican festivals

by | 18 Jun, 2024 | Mexican Culture

The Mexico is a country rich in culture and traditions, and traditional festivals play an essential role in the lives of Mexicans. These celebrations are an opportunity to pay homage to the history, religion, nature, and culture of the country. Each festival has its own origins, meanings, and traditions, but they all share the importance of bringing together families and communities to celebrate together.

Day of the Dead: a unique celebration in Mexico

The Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de los Muertos, is one of the most iconic festivals in Mexico. It takes place annually from October 31st to November 2nd and is an occasion to honor deceased loved ones. The origins of this festival date back to the pre-Hispanic era, when indigenous peoples believed that the dead returned to visit their loved ones during this time.

The preparations for the Day of the Dead begin several weeks in advance. Families decorate altars with photographs of the deceased, candles, flowers (especially orange marigolds known as “cempasúchil”), and food offerings. Cemeteries are also decorated with flowers and candles, and families visit the graves of their loved ones to pay homage to them.

The Day of the Dead is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of the deceased. Mexicans believe that the souls of the dead return to Earth during this period, and they welcome them with offerings of food, drinks, and music. It is a joyful and colorful celebration where families gather to share meals, tell stories, and remember their departed loved ones.

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: an important religious celebration.

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a very important religious celebration in Mexico. It takes place on December 12th and commemorates the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a Mexican indigenous man named Juan Diego in 1531. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac and asked him to build a church in her honor.

The celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe begin several days in advance, featuring processions, traditional dances, and masses. Devotees make pilgrimages to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, where the revered image of the Virgin is located. The pilgrims wear traditional costumes and offer flowers and candles to the Virgin.

The Virgin of Guadalupe is considered the patron saint of Mexico and is revered by millions of faithful throughout the country. She is a symbol of unity and pride for Mexicans, and her feast is an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and demonstrate devotion to the Virgin.

The celebration of the Mexican Revolution: honoring Mexican history and culture.

Mexican Revolution Day is celebrated on November 20th to commemorate the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. This revolution was a major event in Mexican history as it led to the overthrow of the dictator Porfirio Díaz and the establishment of a democratic government.

The celebrations of the Mexican Revolution include military parades, folk dances, fireworks, and cultural events. Mexicans take pride in their revolutionary history and view this celebration as an opportunity to celebrate their national identity.

The Mexican Revolution also had a significant impact on the country’s culture. It inspired many Mexican artists, writers, and musicians who used art as a means to express their vision of Mexican society. Therefore, Mexican Revolution Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the art and culture of the country.

The Mexican Independence Day: Commemoration of the country’s independence.

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16 to commemorate the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810. This war was led by national heroes such as Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos, who fought to liberate the country from the Spanish colonial yoke.

Mexican independence celebrations begin the day before, on September 15, with the “Grito de Dolores”. This rallying cry was uttered by Miguel Hidalgo in Dolores, calling on the Mexicans to rise up against the Spaniards. Since then, every year, the Mexican president pronounces the “Grito” from the balcony of the presidential palace in Mexico City, followed by fireworks and festivities throughout the country.

Mexican Independence Day is an occasion to celebrate the freedom and sovereignty of the country. Mexicans proudly wear national colours (green, white and red), sing the national anthem and participate in parades and festivities. It is a joyful and festive holiday, where Mexicans gather to celebrate their national identity.

Pinata Festival: a festive tradition for children

The piñatas festival is a Mexican tradition very popular with children. It consists of hanging a piñata in the shape of an animal or object filled with sweets and small gifts, then popping it with a stick. The children take turns to hit the pinata blindfolded, and once it breaks, they rush to pick up the falling sweets.

The origins of the piñatas festival date back to colonial times, when Spanish missionaries used piñatas to teach religion to the natives. The piñatas were often shaped like a seven-pointed star, symbolizing the seven deadly sins. The children had to hit the piñata to destroy them and thus get rid of sins.

Today, the piñatas festival is a festive and joyful tradition. It is often celebrated on birthdays and family holidays, but also on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Children look forward to the moment to break the piñata and collect the sweets, which creates an atmosphere of joy and excitement.

Charrería Festival: a celebration of Mexican equestrian culture.

The charrería festival is a celebration of Mexican equestrian culture. It highlights the skills of charros, Mexican cowboys, in events such as lasso, dressage and show jumping. Charrería is considered a national sport in Mexico and is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Charrería celebrations include richly decorated horse parades, charro competitions and equestrian shows. The charros wear traditional costumes, including a sombrero, an embroidered jacket and leather boots. Women also wear traditional outfits, with colorful skirts and shawls.

Charrería is an integral part of Mexican culture and is considered a symbol of national identity. It represents the pride and tradition of rural Mexico, as well as love and respect for horses. The feast of the charrería is therefore an opportunity to celebrate this unique equestrian culture.

San Juan Festival: a celebration of nature and water

The Feast of San Juan is a celebration that takes place on June 24 to celebrate the summer solstice and pay tribute to Saint John the Baptist. This festival is often associated with water rituals, as it marks the beginning of summer and the arrival of rains in some parts of Mexico.

San Juan celebrations include bonfires, traditional dances and ritual baths in rivers, lakes or pools. Mexicans believe that bathing in water during this period brings luck and purification. They also organize processions with statues of Saint John the Baptist and offer prayers to ask for his protection.

The festival of San Juan is a celebration of nature and water, which are considered sacred elements in Mexico. It is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, celebrate the fertility of the land and pay tribute to Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of the waters.

Candelaria Day: a celebration of food and music

The feast of Candelaria is a celebration that takes place on February 2 to commemorate the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary. This festival is often associated with rituals related to food and music, and is an opportunity to share traditional meals and dance to the sound of Mexican music.

Candelaria celebrations include religious processions, folk dances and feasts. Mexicans prepare traditional dishes such as tamales, atoles and chiles in nogada, which they share with family and friends. Music also plays an important role during this festival, with mariachis and musical groups that animate the festivities.

Candelaria is a celebration of food and music, which are two essential elements of Mexican culture. It is an opportunity to share convivial moments with family and friends, while paying tribute to Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

Epiphany Day: a religious and festive celebration for children

The feast of the Epiphany, also known as Dia de los Reyes, is a religious and festive celebration that takes place on January 6 to commemorate the visit of the Three Kings to Jesus. This holiday is especially important for children, because it is the day when they receive gifts and share a cake of kings.

Epiphany celebrations include religious processions, dance performances and feasts. The children write letters to the Three Kings asking for gifts, and on the evening of January 5, they leave their shoes at the door for the Three Kings to deposit the gifts during the night.

The galette des rois is a central element of the Epiphany festival. It is traditionally garnished with candied fruit and a bean hidden inside. Whoever finds the bean in his piece of cake becomes the king or queen of the day and wears a paper crown.

Epiphany is a joyful and festive celebration, which marks the end of the holiday season. It takes place on January 6 and commemorates the visit of the Three Kings to Jesus, symbolized by the tradition of the king’s cake. This festival is very popular in France and in many French-speaking countries. During this day, families gather to share a king’s cake, which contains a bean hidden inside. Whoever finds the bean becomes the king or queen of the day and wears a cardboard crown. It is a convivial and festive moment, where we share moments of joy and gluttony with family or friends.

Pica mucho, pero pica rico

Pica mucho, pero pica rico

by | 18 Jun, 2024 | Foods, Mexican Culture

For us Mexicans, a day without pepper is like a day without sun. «El CHILE» is our national pride. Each Mexican thus consumes from the age of 5 years and 10 kg per year.

Here we explain why we are addicted to chilli, and we share some tips so that you can also eat your tacos with CHILE without even batting an eyelid!

The first obvious reason: without chilli the kitchen has no flavor! It is the key ingredient of Mexican gastronomy because it gives all its flavor to Mexican dishes and warms the atmosphere. Besides, in Mexico it is said that a woman who does not cook with chilli does not know how to cook!

The second reason: It’s also a totally addictive experience! Thanks to the capsaicin (chemical compound) present in peppers, you will sweat or even cry… And that’s the whole point because your body will release a high dose of endorphins and increase your serotonin to give you an incredible feeling of well-being. Our secret: the spicier, the better!

With a little practice you too will become addicted to this experience and eat your chicken tacos for example with lots of CHILE… And in case you accidentally started the fire in your mouth, don’t panic, we give you our tips to put it out.

  1. You remain calm and especially you do not drink water at the risk of worsening your case!
  2. You drink a Horchata,this Mexican drink made from rice milk, vanilla and cinnamon.
  3. Once this big heat blow has passed, you wipe the drops on your forehead, add more lemon and salt in your taco and you start the experience again!

At Acà, we like to share our taste for CHILE. Our different hot sauces are offered separately to adapt to the taste of each.

To train, there is a formula with 3 tacos + a drink (including the Horchata!).

And know that our servers are trained in mouth fires and can manage the situation discreetly!

History and Culture: The Origins of Our Preferred Mexican Dishes

History and Culture: The Origins of Our Preferred Mexican Dishes

by | 18 Jun, 2024 | Mexican Culture, Mexican gastronomic culture

History and Culture: The Origins of Our Preferred Mexican Dishes

Mexican cuisine is renowned worldwide for its richness and diversity. It is the result of a long culinary history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. Indigenous, Spanish and other cultural influences have shaped Mexican cuisine as we know it today. Basic ingredients such as corn, beans and peppers are used in many traditional dishes, while unique cooking techniques give Mexican cuisine its distinctive taste.

The precolombian culinary influences

Before the arrival of the Spanish, the indigenous peoples of Mexico had already developed a rich and varied cuisine. They used ingredients such as corn, beans, squash, tomatoes and peppers to create tasty dishes. Corn was especially important in pre-Columbian cuisine, as it was considered a gift from the gods and was used to make bread, tortillas and other staple foods.

Pre-Columbian cooking techniques included steaming, roasting and cooking in clay pots. Food was often seasoned with spices and herbs, such as cocoa, vanilla and annatto. These indigenous influences are still present in modern Mexican cuisine, with dishes such as tamales, enchiladas and pozoles that have pre-Columbian roots.

The arrival of the Spanish and the first culinary exchanges

The arrival of the Spanish in Mexico in the 16th century brought new ingredients and culinary techniques. The Spanish introduced products such as beef, pork, chicken, cheese and wheat, which were quickly adopted by the Mexicans. They also brought spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, which enriched Mexican cuisine.

The Spanish also introduced new cooking techniques, such as frying and baking. They also brought products such as olive oil and wine, which have been used in many Mexican dishes. Mexicans have also adapted Spanish ingredients and techniques to their own cuisine, creating new unique flavours and combinations.

The key ingredients of Mexican cuisine

Mexican cuisine uses a variety of key ingredients that give it its distinctive taste. Corn is one of the most important ingredients, used to make tortillas, tamales, enchiladas and many other dishes. Beans are also a staple of Mexican cuisine, often used in soups, stews and side dishes.

Peppers are another essential ingredient in Mexican cuisine, adding warmth and flavor to dishes. The varieties of peppers used vary by region, ranging from mild to extremely strong. Other key ingredients include tomatoes, onions, garlic, avocados, cheese and spices such as cumin, paprika and oregano.

The traditional dishes of Mexican cuisine

Mexican cuisine is famous for its tasty and varied traditional dishes. Tacos are one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes, with a wide variety of toppings such as meat, vegetables, cheese and salsa. Tamales are another traditional dish, made of corn paste filled with meat, cheese or other ingredients, wrapped in corn leaf and steamed.

Mole is a complex and flavorful dish, made from a thick sauce made from peppers, spices, chocolate and other ingredients. Enchiladas are stuffed and rolled tortillas, covered with sauce and cheese. Other traditional Mexican dishes include pozoles (a spicy corn soup), chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers) and ceviches (marinated fish).

Mexican food festivals and celebrations

Cooking plays an important role in Mexican parties and celebrations. The Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday where families gather to honour their deceased ancestors. Altars are decorated with food offerings, including bread from the dead, tamales and fruit.

Cinco de Mayo is another important celebration in Mexico, commemorating the Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla against the French. Mexicans celebrate this day with traditional dishes such as tacos, enchiladas and margaritas. Other Mexican food festivals include Independence Day, Carnival and Holy Week.

Regional differences in Mexican cuisine

Mexico is a vast and diverse country, and each region has its own culinary traditions and specialties. For example, the cuisine of northern Mexico is influenced by the proximity of the United States and includes dishes such as burritos, fajitas and chili con carne. Yucatan cuisine in southern Mexico is influenced by Mayan cuisine and uses ingredients such as achiote, habanero and jicama.

The cuisine of Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is also very varied, with a wide variety of traditional dishes such as tacos al pastor, quesadillas and tamales. Each region has its own specialties and cooking techniques, which makes Mexican cuisine so diverse and exciting.

The impact of Mexican cuisine on international cuisine

Mexican cuisine has had a significant impact on international cuisine, especially in neighboring countries of the United States. Tacos, burritos, enchiladas and nachos have become popular dishes around the world, often adapted to local tastes. Mexican restaurants are also widespread in many countries, offering a variety of traditional and modern Mexican dishes.

The popularity of Mexican cuisine has also led to the incorporation of Mexican ingredients and techniques into other cuisines. For example, guacamole is now a common accompaniment in many international dishes, while Mexican spices such as cumin and paprika are used in dishes around the world.

Mexican dishes famous around the world

Some Mexican dishes have become famous worldwide because of their delicious taste and simplicity. Guacamole is one of these dishes, made from crushed avocados, onions, tomatoes, peppers and lime juice. It is often served with corn chips or used as a topping for tacos and enchiladas.

Fajitas are another popular Mexican dish, consisting of grilled meat, peppers and onions, served with tortillas and toppings such as guacamole and salsa. Quesadillas are tortillas stuffed with cheese and other ingredients, grilled until the cheese melts. These dishes are appreciated worldwide for their simplicity and delicious taste.

The modernization of Mexican cuisine

Mexican cuisine has evolved over time to adapt to modern tastes and trends. Many Mexican chefs began experimenting with international culinary ingredients and techniques, creating a Mexican fusion cuisine. For example, contemporary Mexican cuisine can include Asian, European and American influences, creating new flavours and unique combinations.

The presentation of Mexican dishes has also evolved, with particular attention paid to aesthetics and creativity. High-end restaurants in Mexico often feature artistically presented dishes, highlighting local ingredients and traditional culinary techniques.

The preservation of Mexican culinary culture

Despite the evolution of Mexican cuisine, it is important to preserve Mexico’s unique culinary traditions and ingredients. Many chefs and organizations work to promote traditional Mexican cuisine and support local farmers who grow traditional ingredients such as corn and peppers.

Mexican cuisine is also a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site, which highlights its cultural and historical importance. It is essential to preserve these culinary traditions for future generations and to continue to celebrate the richness and diversity of Mexican cuisine.

Mexican cuisine is the result of a long culinary history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. Indigenous, Spanish and other cultural influences have shaped Mexican cuisine as we know it today. Basic ingredients such as corn, beans and peppers are used in many traditional dishes, while unique cooking techniques give Mexican cuisine its distinctive taste.

Mexican cuisine has also had a significant impact on international cuisine, with dishes such as tacos, burritos and guacamole becoming popular around the world. Despite the evolution of Mexican cuisine, it is important to preserve Mexico’s unique culinary traditions and ingredients for future generations. Mexican cuisine continues to evolve and innovate, while remaining true to its cultural and historical roots.