Local educator and community member Daniel Ríos-Lopera is bringing the flavors and stories of El Paso's Segundo Barrio to life with the launch of Segundo Barrio Kitchen Stories, a multimedia project set to kick off at a free public event. The event will take place at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) in downtown El Paso at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, and while open to all, attendees are encouraged to register online, according to EPCC News.
The Museums and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD) of El Paso has funded the project that features four iconic family-owned establishments within the community, aiming to document the area's resiliency and culinary pride. That event seeks to honor the traditions and stories of the Segundo Barrio, which have been preserved over generations by these local businesses. "Segundo Barrio Kitchen Stories is about more than food, it's about honoring the families who have sustained this neighborhood for generations," Ríos-Lopera told EPCC News.
Ríos-Lopera, an EPCC Community Education Program instructor, finds inspiration in his connection to the region. His first home in the U.S. was El Segundo Barrio after arriving from Colombia to study at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). His project, Downtowning, which began as an exploration of downtown El Paso's food, architecture, and murals, evolved into Segundo Barrio Kitchen Chronicles, focusing specifically on the culinary heritage and the rich narratives of the neighborhood.
The upcoming event not only offers a chance to learn about the project but also includes a community celebration, following the initial event, guests will be able to join an exclusive, guided tour of the featured businesses which includes Jalisco Café, Nachitas Grocery, Eben-Ezer, and El Segundo Bakery, these tours are paid with limited availability and require reservations. Ríos-Lopera's engagement with the neighborhood considers the continuity of its heartbeat through the sustaining efforts of these long-standing eateries and shops
