Peruvian President Ollanta Humala said Mistura food fair is an example of social inclusion, as he stressed the participation of mothers running soup kitchens in the festival.
“We need to promote our soup kitchens. Mistura is for everyone. It does not only feature major top chefs, but also mothers who make sure children have food before they go to school,” noted.
“Mistura is social inclusion; the declaration of national interest is a step towards recognizing it as Intangible Cultural Heritage and placing Peruvian Cuisine where it belongs; among the most important [cuisines] around the world,” he said.
Scheduled for September 4-13 in Magdalena seaside district, the fair can contribute more to the country as it heads towards the bicentennial, beginning with the consolidation of gastronomic tourism and the event itself.
“Food is essential; it is one of the main tools to band together as a society and a family. We often share a dish when we want to approach a person; food is cross-cutting,” he indicated.
“We are all Mistureros [Mistura lovers], Humala said as he recalled that the Government’s political willingness is reflected in the declaration of national interest.
This is “a fair, which both the Government –which represents the State– and private sector move ahead with; a fair that adds value to a new resource and new tool: food,” the Peruvian leader stated at the opening ceremony.
Humala Tasso recalled that food is a millenary tool and that Peru is a mega-diverse country due to the quantity and variety of food and traditional dishes served in its different regions.
“We have saved the world from famine thanks to the potato, corn, and now maca, quinoa and cat’s claw. Peru continues to contribute to global development,” he affirmed.
“Mistura brings together all these dishes in Lima, so that it remains the gastronomic capital of South America. This fills Peruvians with pride,” he continued.
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Published: 9/3/2015