If you are interested in traveling to Mexico, but want to experience something outside of the resort scene, you should consider scheduling a trip around the Gastronomic Fair in Santiago de Anaya, Hidalgo. This fair takes place every year on Easter weekend, and 2016 marked its 37^th year. Read below to learn more about this fun event and the area where it takes place.

 

The Fair

The focus of this fair is on the food and culture of the Otomi region of Hidalgo. The fair runs for three days, starting on the Friday before Easter and ending in the evening on Easter day. The first day is the opening ceremonies, with music and dancing being the main focus. Local musicians and dance troops perform for the crowd while vendors surrounding the stage sell all types of food, drink, and crafts.

Day number two is when the first food competition is held, and for most, this is the most important day to be at the fair. In addition to more performances, there will also be a competition featuring hundreds of dishes, all of which will be judged by a panel of volunteers. Once the judges have had their chance, the crowd gets to go in and sample the dishes themselves.

Keep in mind that this food fair isn’t going to feature any Tex-Mex staples you might be familiar with from your local Mexican restaurant; the focus is on authentic dishes that have deep roots in the area. There will be plenty of items that will still please the more reluctant palates, but if you are adventurous, you will get a lot more out of this experience.

 Outside of this tasting, you can enjoy the many food stalls as well as the arts and crafts. If you enjoy the Otomi fabrics that have been becoming so popular as of late, this will be the perfect chance for you to pick up some hand-embroidered fabrics to take back home.

 Day number three is the best day for those who aren’t looking to step too far out of their comfort zone. This day is all about drinks and desserts, so if you have a sweet tooth, you need to be ready to jump in after the judges are finished. The desserts are similar enough to those from home that you won’t feel intimidated by them, but they do features interesting flavors, such as prickly pears, that will still make the experience something special.

 As for the drinks, stick to the aguas frescas if you are being cautious. If you are looking for a real adventure, try the pulque—a fermented drink made from the sap of the maguey plant. There will be many different flavors featured that you can sample. This beverage is a staple on the ranches of the area, making this a truly authentic experience.

 

More About the Area

Many people are nervous about traveling to Mexico, especially the parts outside of the resort areas, due to media coverage. Well, there is no need to worry in this case. Hidalgo, the state where Santiago de Anaya is located, has been consistently rated the most peaceful in Mexico and one of the most peaceful in all of Latin America. The violence that makes the news is concentrated in only a few parts of the country, none of them close enough to Hidalgo to have any impact on the security of the state.

 It is very easy to travel to Hidalgo. From the Mexico City airport, you simply go to the bus station that is just a short walk from customs and is right inside the airport itself. Find the one that says “Pachuca” and purchase your tickets. This bus will take you directly to the Pachuca bus station, putting you in the capital of the state. From here, it is easy to access any part of the state, including the fair, which is only an hour from the capital.

Despite being a small state that really isn’t on the radar for most tourists, Hidalgo has plenty to offer. While most people think of the desert and beach when picturing Mexico, Hidalgo has lush forests and thermal water parks, as well as stunning landmarks, that are perfect for travelers looking to experience something off the beaten path.

 

Turn it into a Full Vacation

The fair is only three days, but your vacation can last much longer. Below are some other places to visit that are easy to access from the fair.

• Grutas Xoxafi: This thermal park is the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor fun while attending the fair. In fact, it is also in Santiago de Anaya.
• Grutas Tolantongo: Similar to Xoxafi, but located about 30 minutes away, this stunning park is perfect for relaxation. It offers more places to swim and relax than Xoxafi, but is more low-key than the thermal water parks below.
• Thermal Waterparks: Tephe and Tlaco are two of the best, but there are many to choose from. These waterparks use the thermal water that is abundant in the area, giving you the chance to enjoy a nice, warm swim. Featuring slides, wave pools, and other standard water park features, they are great for the whole family.
• Real del Monte: This is one of the magical towns in the area and is a great place to learn about the colonial history in the area. This town has interesting architecture that was influenced by the Cornish miners who settled there.
• Mineral del Chico: One of a handful of national forests in Mexico, this is where anyone with an adventurous spirit should go. Camping, hiking, biking, zip lining, and more await you in Mineral del Chico.

Mexico City: Finally, you can always go back to where you started to enjoy one of the most interesting cities in North America. With plenty of museums, concerts, and other events to enjoy, you should not miss the chance to explore the country’s capital.

Have you ever been to Mexico? Where?