Editorial Note: This article was rewritten using Artificial Intelligence (AI) based on original, verified sources. The accompanying images were upscaled with the assistance of AI. Any resemblance of figures in the images to real persons is entirely coincidental. Brands and logos depicted are the property of their respective owners and do not imply official endorsement or affiliation.
Mexico City, October 1st – The vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of Quintana Roo are set to transform Mexico City’s Los Pinos Cultural Complex during the upcoming “Quintana Roo in Los Pinos” festival. This two-day event, scheduled for October 3rd and 4th, will offer a comprehensive immersion into the traditions of the Mexican Caribbean, featuring an array of traditional dishes, live music, artisanal crafts, interactive workshops, and ancient Mayan ceremonies. Organized by the Mexican Ministry of Culture and the Government of Quintana Roo, the festival aims to celebrate the state’s 52nd anniversary and share its unique Mayan and Afro-Caribbean roots with the public in Mexico City.
Culinary Delights at “Cocinas de Humo”
A central attraction of the festival will be the “Cocinas de Humo” (Smoke Kitchens) at Los Pinos, where visitors can savor authentic culinary preparations from the Mexican Caribbean. Admission to the festival and the kitchens is free for all attendees. The gastronomic offerings will include signature dishes such as relleno negro, kibis, balché, tok seel, ko’ol bi kaax, and tacos of escabeche and relleno negro. Additionally, tortas de lechón will be available, showcasing the regional cuisine of Quintana Roo. Traditional beverages like balché and sour orange water will also be served, providing a complete tasting experience that highlights the ingredients, techniques, and recipes from various communities across the state.
Beyond the cooked dishes, the culinary experience will be enhanced by local products derived from melipona honey and cacao, offering a sweet counterpoint to the savory options. This diverse food selection aims to provide a genuine taste of Quintana Roo’s gastronomic landscape.
Artisanal Crafts and Cultural Expressions
The festival will also feature an extensive display of artisanal crafts, including intricate basketry, vibrant textiles, and unique pieces crafted from wood and sargassum. These items underscore the rich artistic traditions and resourcefulness of the region’s artisans. The event seeks to showcase the cultural diversity of Quintana Roo not only through its food but also through its crafts and artistic expressions. It will bring together proposals linked to Mayan tradition, Afro-Caribbean heritage, and contemporary artisanal production in a single, engaging space.
Event Details and Location
The “Quintana Roo in Los Pinos” festival will take place at the Los Pinos Cultural Complex, located at Molino del Rey 252, First Section of Chapultepec Forest, in the Miguel Hidalgo borough. The venue is conveniently accessible via the Constituyentes and Los Pinos subway and Cablebús stations. Over the two days, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, attendees can explore a variety of cultural activities and local product stalls. The agenda blends live performances, participatory workshops, visual exhibitions, and ceremonial expressions, offering something for everyone.
This celebration coincides with Quintana Roo’s anniversary as a Free and Sovereign State. The initiative aims to bring a slice of the state’s landscapes, traditions, and communities that form its cultural identity to the capital. The program is presented by the Los Pinos Cultural Complex and the Institute of Culture and Arts of Quintana Roo, inviting families and visitors to participate in the scheduled activities.
Musical and Ceremonial Highlights
The festival’s musical program is particularly rich, with a performance by singer and actress Astrid Hadad scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd, at 4:00 PM in Plaza Jacarandas. Her show will combine popular music, cabaret, and references to Mexican traditions. The musical offerings will also include regional rhythms, ranging from Mayan Pax music to Afro-Caribbean genres such as calypso, soca, and punta. The agenda will feature groups and orchestras from Quintana Roo, including the Folkloric Ballet of Quintana Roo, the Polyfacetic Orchestra of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, the Jul K’iin group, and the Orchestra of the Secretariat of Citizen Security. These performances promise a sonic journey through traditional expressions and contemporary repertoires, accompanying the gastronomic and artisanal activities throughout the venue.
Plaza Cencalli will host an ancestral Mayan ceremony led by priest Bartolomé May Ché. This ritual will be accompanied by Mayan Pax music and a poetry reading in the Mayan language by Wildernain Villegas. These expressions will allow the festival to incorporate cultural practices that are integral to Quintana Roo’s community life, featuring direct participation from knowledge holders, artists, and creators linked to these traditions.
Workshops and Exhibitions
Visitors can also participate in workshops on the Mayan language and traditional embroidery, with Amanda Tah leading one of the formative activities dedicated to this artisanal technique. Another dedicated space will focus on the artisanal transformation of sargassum, where Justo Rosales will impart a workshop on the possibilities of using this material in the creation of pieces and objects. The Plaza Cencalli will also house the photographic exhibition “Selva, mar e historia” (Jungle, Sea, and History), showcasing the landscapes, memory, and living culture of Quintana Roo. This exhibition will enhance the festival’s journey with images related to the territory and identity of the entity, complementing the craft stalls and regional products.
The festival offers a holistic experience combining tastings, music, dance, ceremonies, and workshops, all within a single venue. Attendance is free, and activities will run for seven hours on each of the two scheduled days. “Quintana Roo in Los Pinos” is set to bring a curated selection of its culinary and cultural expressions to Mexico City, with the Smoke Kitchens, artistic presentations, and workshops forming the core of an agenda focused on the traditions of the Mexican Caribbean.
