More energizing and bustling than ever, the fourteenth edition of the Tejate Fair returns to celebrate and promote the nutritious drink made from corn and cocoa for the gods.
Gabriel Gómez, director of the Guish-Bac Folklore Group and organizer of the Oaxacan event, explained that the mission is to rescue the drink and highlight its properties as an organic food that does not harm the body and is an energizing drink.
In addition to the traditional tejate contest during the day, you can appreciate Oaxacan culture and tradition, folkloric dances, sale of typical dishes and live music.
“The event has a completely family-friendly atmosphere and admission is free,” said Gomez, originally from the community of Tlacolula de Matamoros.
He added that this year they are celebrating the 14th anniversary of the fair, which began as a fair with about 50 people, but was so well received by Angelenos that it has not stopped growing.
“Last year we exceeded the attendance of five thousand people, mostly from Oaxaca, but we also have the attendance of Anglo-Saxons, Asians and many Latin Americans who are attracted by the atmosphere, Oaxacan flavors and good vibes,” explained Gómez.
Seven very enthusiastic tejateras will participate in the contest, proud to continue promoting the pre-Hispanic drink.
“Several of them have participated for several years and some will be first-timers. We are sure that all of them will enhance this popular and traditional drink from our Oaxaca.”
The competition will consider the flavor, texture and decoration of the tea.
The winner of the competition is chosen by a panel of judges who will visit all the participating stalls. The tea makers must explain the ingredients they used and their personal touch in making the drink considered to be the “Drink of the Gods.”
On this occasion, the Godfather of the event is businessman Edwin Hernández, from the La Flama restaurants.
“I feel very honored to participate in this great event that exalts the culture and gastronomy of Oaxaca,” explains Hernández. “I am sure that many people will be attracted by everything that will be offered during the event.”
For those who have never participated in the event, El Padrino invited them to get to know Oaxacan culture and traditions.
“I’m sure they won’t regret it,” Hernandez said.
The tile makers
Ines Cruz, Angelina Cruz, Eustoria, Maria Cruz and Lucia Santiago
Lucia Santiago, Maria Cruz, Eustoria Bautista, Angelina Cruz and Ines Cruz are five of the participants in the Tejate Contest.
Santiago said his family, headed by Felicitas Lopez, has won the contest seven times.
“But each time we come back with the same energy and desire to win,” he said, while preparing the drink as part of the promotion of La Feria del Tejate 2024.
The representative from Tlacolula de Matamoros said that it is the third generation of the family that is dedicated to preparing the drink.
“We participate in the fair every year and have won first place seven times,” he explained.
“It will be very close. We would love to win all at the same time, but it is not possible. We are left with the satisfaction of participating and continuing to promote our drink.”
Legend of the tejate
Santiago, one of Felicitas López’s four daughters, reported that her mother, the prominent 80-year-old tile maker who has earned the respect of the Oaxacan community for her outstanding work, is ill.
“We hope that by the day of the event she will feel better enough to join us for the contest. That is what she wants most,” said the owner of the Tejate Tlacolula business.
‘Reveals’ secret
María Cruz, from San Marcos Tlapazola, revealed the secret of her preparation of tejate by explaining how she prepares the drink, according to the ingredients she uses.
“I put a lot of love into preparing the drink of the gods, I think that is my secret,” said Cruz, who stressed that he prepares it in a 100 percent natural way with cocoa, cocoa rose and mamey seed.
“First, God will decide what can happen. I wish everyone the best of luck because we all do a very good job. At any moment, any of us can be winners,” she said.
First participation
Eustoria Bautista, originally from Santa Ana del Valle, said she has mixed feelings because this is the first time she is going to participate in the tejate contest.
“I am both anxious and nervous because this is my first time participating in this increasingly important event,” she explained. “I feel very proud to participate with all of them.” [las participantes]who are my teachers in this contest.”
May the best win
Angelina Cruz Sánchez, originally from San Marcos Tlapazola, said she has six years of experience participating in the contest.
“It was very nice and the experience was phenomenal. I learned a lot about the preparation of the drink. All the participants always share experiences and support each other,” she said. “We hope that the one who does the best job wins.”
The 2023 champion
Inés Cruz returns in 2024 with the hope of repeating for the second consecutive year in first place in the contest.
“I participated in the competition for many years. Thank God I won first place last year and now we have been given the opportunity to participate again,” he explains. “We do it with great pleasure and with a great desire to repeat the first place, it will be very difficult, but we will work to achieve it.”
Event: Tejate Fair 2024
Where: 1645 Corinth Ave, LA
When: September 1st
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.