UNESCO Ancestral Maize Festival

Calling all cultural enthusiasts, storytellers, and those seeking extraordinary experiences—for a special Intersecciones culinary event, highlighting the extraordinary Cuisine of Michoacán, México. . With a focus on rare maize (corn) varieties, the ancestral food of México, this is a rare and unique food-tasting experience, presented by renowned Cocineras Tradicionales, or Traditional Cooks, who have preserved the Michoacán cuisine as an intangible cultural heritage.

Michoacán, México, is globally renowned for its iconic Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivals, often considered the most elaborate and famous in all of México, showcasing soulful displays of culture and heritage. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Ancestral Maize Festival, presented in partnership with the Consulado General de México en San Diego and UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, aims to enrich guests by deepening their understanding of the origins of ancestral maize (corn) varieties. Our guest chefs will prepare dishes celebrated by UNESCO and served to distinguished guests, including Pope Francis. Guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience, complemented by special regional wines, beers, and tequilas that will elevate their senses to the next level.

You won’t want to miss this modern food and wine presentation showcasing original ingredients from Michoacán, México. Discover the ancestral traditions and delicacies created from maize and hear about the UNESCO recognition. Your ticket includes tastings of 15 different traditional dishes, integrating the most diverse, interesting forms of maize. Culinary offerings will be paired with samplings of beer from UC San Diego alumni-owned Border X Brewing, one of the largest and only Latino-owned breweries in the United States, as well as two glasses of Baja regional wines from Bodegas Henri Lurton.

Featured Cocineras Tradicionales - Traditional Cooks:

• International Chef Cynthia Martínez Becerril
• Maestra cocinera Benedicta Alejo Vargas
• Maestra cocinera Juana Bravo Lázaro
• Maestra cocinera María Inés Dimas Carlos

About Maize:

An ancestral crop of México, maize cultivars have been farmed for more than 10,000 years. Known as “corn,” in the English language, maize is a wild grass that must be cultivated to survive. Now, grown throughout the world, it is one of the most culturally significant crops of México. It is a starchy vegetable, similar to potatoes, but its kernels are considered grains and can be milled into flour. Coming from the seed or flower of a plant (like tomatoes), maize is also considered a fruit. It comes in a broad range of varietals and multiple colors, varying from shades of red, blue, purple, black, brown, and pink, among others.

Please note: In order to maximize the number of attendees who can experience this amazing UNESCO Ancestral Maize Festival, there are two seating times for this unique and very special culinary event! 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Make sure to select preferred time at check-out!

Host or Publisher UC San Diego Park & Market