Mexico City Prepares for the Grand ‘Feria del Jitomate’ 2026
Mexico City, September 16 – The Cultural Complex Los Pinos, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico, announced the upcoming ‘Feria del Jitomate’ (Tomato Fair) 2026. This significant event will celebrate the tomato, a cornerstone of Mexican gastronomy, on September 19 and 20. The fair aims to highlight the cultural, nutritional, and economic importance of this fruit, featuring a diverse program of activities for all ages.
A Celebration of Mexican Culinary Heritage
The tomato, or ‘jitomate’ as it’s known in central and southern Mexico, holds a profound place in the nation’s culinary identity, enriching dishes from vibrant salsas to traditional moles. Its history in Mesoamerica dates back approximately 2,600 years, with Mexico being the cradle of its genetic diversity. The fair will pay homage to this rich history, showcasing native varieties like the ‘arriñonados’, ‘pajarito’, ‘ojo de venado’, and ‘cherry’ tomatoes, which boast unique flavors often lost in commercial hybrids.
Event Schedule and Activities
The ‘Feria del Jitomate’ will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on both Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20. The program is packed with educational and interactive experiences:
Saturday, September 19:
- Cencalli Museum (Ground Floor) – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Worktables on ‘Guardians of Seeds: Weaknesses, Strengths, and Challenges,’ ‘Native Seeds and Biodiversity,’ ‘Conservation of Native Seeds as a Resilience Strategy Against Environmental Collapse,’ and ‘Networks of Guardians.’
- Urban Garden – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Exhibition on the phenological phases of the tomato.
- Urban Garden – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: ‘Salsa Making Workshop’ by Martha Elba Ramírez Jiménez.
- Urban Garden – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: ‘Tomato Seed Extraction and Preservation Workshop’ by Mariana Bravo.
Sunday, September 20:
- Cencalli Museum (Ground Floor): Presentations including ‘Tomatoes and Transgenics’ by researcher Antonio Ávila Rosas, ‘Tomato Care’ by Huautli Mariel Ramos Molina, ‘Nutritional Importance of Consuming Native Tomatoes’ by Dr. Noemí Muciño, and ‘Native Tomatoes in Contemporary Cuisine: Bioculturality, Diversity, and Food Sovereignty’ by Humberto Thomé Ortiz.
- Urban Garden – 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM: ‘Dehydrated Tomato Workshop’ by Noemí Muciño.
- Urban Garden – 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM: ‘Oaxacan Native Tomato Salsa Making Workshop’ by Julieta Santos.
Culinary Delights and Market Offerings
Throughout both days, the ‘Cocinas de Humo’ (Smoke Kitchens) will offer an array of tomato-infused dishes, such as smoked tomato ceviche, tlacoyos in salsa, pork loin tostadas, barbacoa, and ribs with tomato. The ‘El Solar Market’ will feature a wide selection of tomato preserves, jams, seeds, salsas, vegetables, plants, and desserts. Additionally, the ‘Tejabán de Cencalli’ and ‘Plaza Jacarandas’ will host vendors selling seeds, seedlings, embroidered items with tomato motifs, dehydrated products, salts, condiments, cheeses, honey, amaranth, nectars, fruits, beverages, sweets, ice creams, nurseries, and native plants.
Tomato’s Economic Significance and Production Challenges
Beyond its culinary role, the tomato is a vital component of Mexico’s agricultural economy. The country ranks seventh globally in tomato production, contributing approximately 2.3% of the world’s total. Cultivation spans 31 of Mexico’s 32 states, involving nearly 22,000 producers across 45,000 to 50,000 hectares. In 2026, Mexico’s accumulated national tomato production reached 2,108,831 tons by August, representing about 68% of the total harvest in 2025.
However, the sector has faced recent challenges, including a projected 9% drop in production for 2026 due to 17% tariffs on exports to the U.S. market. This has led to price increases of up to 100% in various parts of the country. In response, the Ministries of Agriculture and Economy, along with the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco), have established a voluntary agreement to support over 12,000 tomato producers.
How to Get to Cultural Complex Los Pinos
The Cultural Complex Los Pinos is located at Parque Lira s/n, San Miguel Chapultepec I Sección, in the First Section of Chapultepec Forest, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City.
- By Metro: The nearest station is Constituyentes (Line 7). From there, walk north on Parque Lira towards Molino del Rey and cross the intersection with Constituyentes Avenue to reach the green gates of the complex.
- By Metrobus: The nearest station is Parque Lira (Line 2). Walk towards Parque Lira, turn right, and continue for 650 meters to the entrance.
For those driving, limited parking is available at the venue from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The main entrance is Gate 1, a short walk from the Constituyentes metro station. Admission to the complex is free.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/09/15/la-feria-del-jitomate-2026-llegara-a-cdmx-para-celebrar-a-uno-de-los-ingredientes-estrella-de-la-gastronomia-mexicana-lugar-fecha-y-que-habra/
