Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Committed to tradition, the city government, led by Mayor Ramón Guerrero Martínez through the Municipal Tourism Department, invites everyone to taste the typical dishes of Puerto Vallarta during the 1st Annual Festival de Cocina Típica Familiar (Typical Family Cooking Festival.)

This festival, scheduled to be held on Sunday, June 29 at 10:00 am in Lazaro Cardenas Park, is intended to remind the new generations about the traditional food of this destination, according to food and beverage instructor, Miguel Ángel Caliz who, along with the 63 Cecati school in Puerto Vallarta, organized the event.

"The mission and vision we have for this festival is to give visitors another reason to familiarize themselves with our city and its culture. Within our objectives are to rescue the values of Vallarta food, to introduce the dishes prepared here to the world, and to leave a legacy through a cookbook at the school that locals and visitors can browse through on premise or make photocopies of so they can prepare the recipes at home," said Miguel Ángel Caliz.

He mentioned that this project arose after wondering where to find dishes that are typical to Vallarta and where they could be found in the city. He concluded that this food is found only in Puerto Vallarta homes. "With the support of the government and school (Cecati) we put out the word that we were looking for people that cook at home, and the community responded well to the call. There are many indigenous people in the community, Native Vallartenses; who are happy to be a part of this festival," he said.

During the festival, 12 participants will be evaluated by a jury to select the top three places in the 'Dessert' and 'Steak and Seafood' categories. "They'll be preparing dishes like la cuala, el pozi, el caldillo de camarón, albóndigas de pescado con yerbabuena, tortilla de plátano, and guayabate, among other native dishes," Miguel Ángel Caliz added.

The winners will earn prizes, such as kitchen utensils, trophies, scholarships from Cecatur and recognitions. In addition, those attending the festival, will have the opportunity to taste the dishes, which will cost between $10 and $20 pesos.