Fancy Food Forum Aims to Make Morelos Hot, Hot, Hot
Top chefs, food experts and cultural figures to descend on landmark Jardín Borda this November for 10th World Forum of Mexican Gastronomy, celebrating UNESCO-recognized traditions and aiming to boost regional prestige.
The global spotlight will turn to Mexico's rich culinary heritage this autumn as the state of Morelos prepares to host the prestigious 10th World Forum of Mexican Gastronomy.
The high-profile event, set for November 7th and 8th, will unfold within the historic walls of the Jardín Borda in Cuernavaca – a landmark venue built by the famed José de la Borda and long considered an emblem of Morelos tourism.
A glittering array of international chefs, academics, producers, traditional cooks, and cultural promoters are expected to gather for intense dialogue centered on the authentic delights and profound richness of traditional Mexican cuisine. The summit promises a deep dive into the flavors and techniques that have earned Mexican food global renown.
For the state government of Morelos, securing the Forum is seen as a major coup, promising a significant boost to the local economy and throwing a welcome spotlight on the region's often-overlooked gastronomic treasures. Officials are banking on the event cementing Morelos's reputation as a must-visit destination for food tourism.
The strategy, insiders say, is to leverage the state's unique cultural heritage, the richness of its endemic ingredients – many found nowhere else – and the deep-rooted authenticity of its traditional cooking methods to carve out a distinct identity on the world food map.
Putting Morelos on the Map
The ambition behind hosting the Forum is clear. Daniel Altafi Valladares, the state's Secretary of Tourism, minced no words about the opportunity it presents.
"Having Morelos host the World Forum of Gastronomy is a decisive step to put value on our cuisine as an engine of identity, development, and well-being for the communities," he declared.
With national pride, he added: "We are going to show the world that Morelos is a land with flavor, history, and talent that makes us proud."
The groundwork for this moment was laid early. Securing the Forum was reportedly a key priority managed within the first 100 days of the current state government, working closely with the influential Conservatorio de la Gastronomía Mexicana (Mexican Conservatory of Gastronomy).
Officials stressed that joint working groups involving key players across the food and tourism sectors were established from the outset. The goal, they insisted, was to guarantee a "participative, inclusive, and high-level" organization befitting the event's international stature.
Celebrating UNESCO Heritage
The World Forum of Mexican Gastronomy is far more than just a talking shop for foodies. It serves a crucial role in promoting the safeguarding and dissemination of Mexico's traditional cuisines – practices formally recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This prestigious designation underscores the cultural weight and historical significance of the culinary traditions under discussion.
Beyond preservation, the Forum actively fosters the exchange of knowledge between experts and practitioners. It aims to strengthen productive chains – connecting local producers with chefs and markets – and plays a vital part in the international promotion of Mexico's vibrant gastronomic culture.
As November approaches, anticipation is building in Morelos. The two-day summit promises not only a feast for the senses but a powerful platform to celebrate Mexico's culinary soul, placing the historic state of Morelos firmly on the international gastronomic stage.
