I didn’t truly appreciate the avocado until I was an adult. Sure, guacamole was always good—but I never opted to add avocado to anything until college. Not only is it a delicious fruit, it is packed with healthy fats and other nutrients. And, I’m not the only one who loves avocado, nor knows its power. In fact, the neighboring district of Motupe recently began a festival to celebrate the avocado, in its many shapes and forms.
At the end of May, the town spent a week celebrating the fruit, in all its varieties, and the people who grow and sell them. The celebration culminated in a delicious cook-off the last day of the festival. Various restaurants participated, adding avocado to traditional meals like ceviche. For an avocado lover, this was heaven.
A crowd of people went tent to tent to taste each dish. And then, while the judges deliberated, a band played and dancers performed the traditional Marinera. The crowd stood around the stage, while the queen of the festival (yes, she was technically “Miss Avocado”) and the mayor sat prominently under a gazebo. After crowning the winners of the food competition, everyone began to dance—including the mayor.
Agriculture is such a huge part of the Peruvian economy that Motupe is not the only district to celebrate a fruit. Here in Olmos, we call our town anniversary the Lime Festival, and there are others celebrating grapes, mangoes and cherimoyas. Districts take great pride in their produce; each one boasting that it grows the best of something.
I’ve certainly taken advantage of the fresh produce, using as much of it in my cooking as possible. Since most of what I buy is locally sourced, it costs me pennies on the dollar. I doubt I’ll ever find less expensive produce. And, after the Avocado Festival, I now have a few more ideas on how to incorporate the creamy fruit into my meals.
Brittany McGee 