El Paso's Segundo Barrio neighborhood, known for its rich history and vibrant culinary scene, is receiving much-deserved recognition through the "Segundo Barrio Kitchen Chronicles" project, led by Daniel Ríos-Lopera, who has been granted funding by the Museum and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD) of El Paso. Ríos-Lopera, a name familiar to many as the EPCC Memorias del Silencio Director and College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP) Instructor, is using the MCAD's support to document and preserve the stories and recipes from the heart of El Paso's historic neighborhood.
The seed of this project was planted some 15 years prior when Ríos-Lopera arrived in El Paso from Colombia, and it has since blossomed into "Downtowning," a broader initiative to capture the essence of downtown El Paso, and now the Segundo Barrio Kitchen Chronicles is a continuation of this work, focusing on food and the rich narratives behind it, Ríos-Lopera told EPCC News, “The idea was born about 15 years ago when I arrived from Colombia to pursue my master's at UTEP, and my first home was in El Segundo Barrio, I was captivated by the neighborhood's energy and the way it made me feel welcome, and I discovered that somewhere in this place lies the true heart of El Paso.”
The climax of the Segundo Barrio Kitchen Chronicles project will be an interactive multimedia book that compiles the authentic flavors, communal tales, and interviews from the historic kitchens that define the area, this book is set to be made accessible to the public online in Fall 2025. The project will offer a unique perspective, detailing the personal stories behind the art of food and tradition that has long been at the core of Segundo Barrio's identity.
“This grant is an incredible opportunity to amplify the voices of the community and ensure that these culinary traditions are preserved for future generations," Ríos-Lopera was quoted saying in the EPCC News article, “Food is a powerful storytelling medium, and through this project, we aim to honor the stories behind every dish.” The stories and recipes from Segundo Barrio will soon be shared beyond the confines of the neighborhood, extending its reach via downtowningep.com and MCAD's digital platforms, the project eagerly invites the community and food enthusiasts to track the progress on social media, using the handle @downtowningep.
