The charming Mexican town of Real del Monte, nestled in the state of Hidalgo, recently buzzed with activity as it hosted its annual International Paste Festival. This vibrant celebration honors the ‘paste,’ a beloved local snack with deep historical roots, introduced to the region by Cornish miners in the 1820s. The festival showcases the unique culinary fusion that has developed over two centuries, drawing food enthusiasts from far and wide to savor this distinctive pastry.
A Taste of History
The ‘paste,’ pronounced ‘PAH-stay,’ is a direct descendant of the traditional Cornish pasty. Its journey to Mexico began in 1824 when hundreds of Cornish miners arrived in Real del Monte to work in the rich silver, copper, zinc, gold, and mercury mines. These miners brought with them their culinary traditions, including the pasty, which was an ideal, portable meal for their demanding work. Evidence of this historical connection can still be found today in a local graveyard, where approximately 700 graves bear distinctly English names, marking the resting places of these early settlers.
Evolution of a Delicacy
While the original Cornish pasty typically featured beef, onion, potato, and swede, the Mexican ‘paste’ has evolved to incorporate local flavors. Popular fillings now range from spicy Mexican mole sauce to sweeter options like pineapple or blueberry with cheese. This adaptation has been key to the paste’s enduring popularity in Mexico. Local artisan Isabel Arriaga Lozano, who has been making pastes for 30 years, emphasizes the importance of "mexicanized" ingredients, particularly the addition of chili pepper for that characteristic spicy kick.
Celebrating the Paste
The International Paste Festival serves as a vibrant tribute to this unique cultural and culinary heritage. During the event, Real del Monte is adorned with Mexican, British, and Cornish flags, celebrating the 200-year-old connection between the two nations. Visitors can sample a wide array of paste fillings, experiencing firsthand the delicious blend of British tradition and Mexican innovation. For those who missed the festival, the town’s Paste Museum offers a year-round opportunity to delve deeper into the history and artistry of this iconic snack.
Key takeaways:
- The ‘paste’ originated in Real del Monte, Mexico, introduced by Cornish miners in the 1820s.
- It is a Mexican adaptation of the traditional Cornish pasty.
- The town celebrates its heritage with an annual International Paste Festival.
- Modern ‘pastes’ feature a variety of fillings, including spicy Mexican flavors.
- A local graveyard with English names serves as a historical marker of the Cornish miners’ presence.
### Sources
- Mexican town celebrates ‘paste’, a snack derived from Cornish pasty English miners brought, South China Morning Post.
- What’s the link between Cornish pasties and the Mexican mining town of Real del Monte?, Euronews.com.
- Pastry brought to Mexico by British is still popular after 200 years, AP News.
- Cornish pasty origins: How British miners helped inspire Mexico’s tasty snack, paste, 9Kitchen.
- How the Cornish pasty became a Mexican delicacy, The Economist.