Traditional Maya Cooking
About this Workshop
The Tal A’xin Maya-in-Exile garden at the UBC Farm continues to be a place for cultural sharing and sustaining ancestral practices. Once a year we host a traditional cooking workshop to share the the garden bounty with you all. Join us for a lovely afternoon at the farm, preparing and sharing fresh produce from the Maya-in-Exile garden. By joining this workshop you will be supporting the preservation of the garden’s heritage and cultural practices. Members of the Tal A’xin Maya-in-Exile Garden at the UBC Farm invite you to their annual traditional cooking workshop. Help prepare (and eat!) these dishes:Techniques and Recipes Demonstrated:
- Tortillas from scratch, Maya style
- Bledo con frijol rojo entero con tortillas – Amaranth leaf and Maya whole red beans with tortillas
- Tortillas con hierba de kelite y salsa de tomate – Lambs quarters tortillas with tomato salsa
- Pan de maiz – Cornbread
- Café Maya – Maya coffee 95% + of the ingredients are organically grown in our garden at UBC Farm.
Tal A’xin Maya in Exile Garden
The idea for the Maya garden began in 1986 when five Maya families came to Canada as refugees from Guatemala. For thousands of years, Our ancestors, the Mayan people have worked the land planting corn, beans and squash (the three sisters). The Maya civilization and culture has evolved around the planting of corn. The main goal of these Mayan families was to keep the Mayan traditions and culture alive by continuing to grow Maya crops in Canada. This has allowed the children to learn about their culture and strengthen their identity. It has reminded us of who we are and where we come from.
In 1999, a friend and supporter of the Maya Indian Support Group and volunteer at the UBC Farm informed us about the possibility of applying for a project plot at UBC. The group welcomed the idea and in 2000, the garden was established at the UBC Farm.
Initially, we planted the three sisters. Later on, we incorporated greens such as amaranth (bledo), yerba mora, and apazote, among other crops. Each season begins with a traditional Maya ceremony to ask permission to Mother Earth and the Creator to break the land and bless the seeds. Before we harvest corn, another ceremony is offered to thank the Creator and Mother Earth for all that has been produced. The garden continues to be a place for cultural sharing and sustaining ancestral practices.Date and Time
Saturday, July 13 | 2:00 – 5:00 pm (3 hours)
Location
UBC Farm Kitchen
3461 Ross Drive, Vancouver BC
Cost
$35 + GST All proceeds to benefit the Maya in Exile Garden. We need a minimum of 10 participants to offer this delicious workshop. Early registration helps ensure the workshop goes ahead. Thank you for your interest. We look forward to you joining us! Alternatively, you can register for this workshop in person, by cash at the Maya Garden stall during the UBC Farm’s Saturday Market.