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On 16 September, Mexico celebrates its Dia de la Independencia – Independence Day. But you don’t have to travel across the globe to celebrate, as there are plenty of events in London in the run-up to this celebration, including Gastronomic Week, a ‘cure the hangover’ lunch and a Tequila & Mezcal festival.
Gastronomic Week
Running 8-14 September, Gastronomic week celebrates the diversity and depth of cuisine in Mexico. London restaurant Mestizo has put together a distinctive Gastronomic Festival menu. A special Dia de la Independence Dinner is also available on 15 September. Listen out for the ‘Cry of Independence,’ as glasses are raised to toast El Grito (‘The Shout’).
Running alongside this, Mestizo are collaborating with the Mexican Embassy to host a Mexican fiesta at the Bloomsbury Ballroom. A celebration of Mexico’s heritage and street culture, guests will enjoy margaritas, tequila, fresh tacos, mariachi and even find a Mexican Market.
Mestizo, 103 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EL
The Bloomsbury Ballroom, Bloomsbury Square, WC1B 4DA
Tickets: london.mestizomx.com / 020 7387 4064.
Cure the hangover lunch
After all the partying of Gastronomic Week and Dia de la Independencia, Curate La Cruda (cure the hangover) Lunch on 16-17 September may be the perfect antidote. Alongside the traditional huevos rancheros, Mestizo will be offering the likes of birria (a spicy Mexican lamb stew) and pozole (an authentic whole corn soup).
Ice cold Coronas and Micheladas (the Bloody Mary of Mexico, made with beer, lime juice, spices, and peppers) will be on hand to keep hangovers at bay.
With hungerabated, Mestizo will have no trouble quenching your thirst with endless margaritas from an extensive range of over 360 tequila and mezcal varieties. So pop on that loco and add some Mexican vibe to your September.
Tequila & Mezcal Fest
The UK’s only festival Tequila & Mezcal Fest is dedicated to showcasing the best exports from Mexico, on 17-18 September. Festival-goers will be able to enjoy Mexican cocktail making masterclasses, and try (and buy) the Margarita of the Year 2016. As well as the Patron brand, we suggest keeping an eye out for Altos (who make a mean margarita) and Ocho, whose Curado agave-infused tequila is almost liqueur-like and will tempt tequila loathers and lovers alike.
Mexican restaurants will be on hand to serve hungry revellers including Barrio Bars, Lupita, Camion and Wahaca all of whom will be providing well-needed nourishment.
Sessions are available Saturday 17 September from 12-4.30pm and 5-9.30pm; or on Sunday 18 September 11.30am–4pm or 4.30–9pm. Tickets are £15 in advance and £20 on the door. Full details and ticket purchase available at tequilafest.co.uk.
Photo courtesy of Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors BureauHoliday in Mexico
If the thought of exploring Mexico’s gastronomic offerings for Dia de la Independencia has tantalised your tastebuds, how about Mexico as a holiday destination?
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, two neighbouring regions situated along Mexico’s Pacific Coast offer distinctive attractions, world-class accommodation and endless sunshine.
Since the 60s, this region has seen many celebrities attracted to the area – for example Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who fell in love while filming Night of the Iguana. This in turn has given rise to some luxury accommodation, eco-tourism boutiques and quaint B&Bs being developed – and with pristine white sandy beaches, dolphins, turtles, snorkeling, surfing and more, once in a lifetime experiences can be found here.
Visit the historic village of San Blas, exclusive celebrity hideout Punta Mita, “boho-chic” surfing haven Sayulita, picturesque fishing villages, or simply relax on miles of serene beaches and the spectacular Banderas Bay. Those looking for a more active holiday can enjoy PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle releases, zip lining, surfing and bird watching.
Direct flights to Puerto Vallarta International Airport are available via Thomson Airways from London Gatwick and Manchester; Aero Mexico via Mexico City from London Heathrow, and British Airways has direct flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, offering code share on its One World partner American Airlines.
For more information about Riviera Nayarit as a holiday destination, visit RivieraNayarit.com.
