San Antonio to Celebrate “Pueblos del Maiz”
Published on October 07, 2025
SAN ANTONIO (October 7, 2025) – The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office proudly announces the return of the annual Pueblos del Maiz Showcase, taking place from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on October 10 at Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy. The vibrant event celebrates corn as a heritage ingredient that unites cultures and flavors across the globe, while highlighting San Antonio’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation.
San Antonio will host cooking demonstrations, maiz tastings, and special corn dishes from local restaurants, while welcoming chefs from other UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy and The Food Capitals by Delice Network. Both Tucson, Arizona, and Bergamo, Italy hosted their own local Pueblos del Maiz programs in September, deepening global culinary connections. This is the first year Castelldefels, Spain is participating in this event.
The “Maiz Showcase” is a free event, and attendees will have the opportunity to watch live cooking demonstrations and sample food by local and visiting chefs from Tucson, Castelldefels, and Bergamo. The interactive experience will highlight the significance and importance of corn in culinary traditions from around the world. Music and additional vendors will add to the festive spirit.
“Pueblos del Maiz is a truly special event that encourages our community to celebrate our shared heritage through one ingredient, corn,” said Colleen Swain, Director of the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office. “We are deeply grateful to the guest chefs who are generously giving their time and talent. Their willingness to share their knowledge, culture, and passion not only elevates the experience but also inspires everyone involved.”
Visiting chefs will also immerse themselves in San Antonio’s culinary heritage, exploring local cuisine and landmarks. Their itinerary includes visiting St. Philip’s College Tourism, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts campus; a cultural exchange through a hands-on tamal workshop; and a visit to the World Heritage Center.
Pueblos del Maiz is an opportunity to share culinary knowledge and heritage, while raising awareness about the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and Food Capitals by Delice Network.
“I’m honored to participate in this event that not only celebrates the significance of corn across cultures, but also brings our community together,” said Chef GeronimoLopez, Executive Chef, Hotel Emma and San Antonio Chef Ambassador. “Pueblos del Maiz is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and share the traditions of maiz with one another. Events like these strengthen our bonds and remind us of the vital role food plays in uniting people.”
In 2017, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated San Antonio as a Creative City of Gastronomy for its culinary legacy as a confluence of cultures. The indigenous roots, the traditions and tastes introduced by the Spanish colonists in the 1700s, and the European, Asian, and African influences that came with European settlers in the 1800s have created a complex fusion that makes San Antonio's cuisine distinct from other southwest regions in the United States. As a UNESCO Creative City, San Antonio is part of a distinct group of international cities committed to sharing best practices, developing partnerships that promote creativity, strengthening participation in cultural life, and integrating culture into urban development.
Information on the Pueblos del Maiz event and on San Antonio as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is available at SACityofGastronomy.org. Information on the World Heritage Office is available at SanAntonio.gov/WorldHeritage.