Corn Festival in Ocotepeque, Honduras

 Corn Festival in La Labor ,Ocotepeque, Honduras

When is the festival? 

The Corn Festival is celebrated every October, usually during the Morazan holiday. This time is chosen because it coincides with the corn harvest and a national holiday, allowing for massive participation from people across the country.

 

 

                          What do people eat and drink?

During the festival, corn is the undisputed star, and the traditional dishes prepared with this grain are varied and delicious: 

• Ticucos
• Corn tamales
• Montucas
• Corn atol
• Boiled and roasted corn on the cob
• Handmade tortillas (white and yellow)
As for drinks, the following are enjoyed:
• Pozol (a cold drink made from ground corn)

 

• Sweet or savory atol

           • Natural soft drinks such as hibiscus, tamarind, and sour orange.

 

Where do you eat and who do you eat with? 

People eat at stalls and stands set up in the town's central plaza, in the park, or in the yards of residents' homes. Community lunches are also held where families, friends, tourists, and local authorities share food in an atmosphere of celebration, unity, and brotherhood. 

What do you do before and after the meal?

Before eating:

• Participate in the parade of floats decorated with corn husks and corn.

• Attend the election of the Corn Queen.

• Watch the competitions for traditional costumes made from corn husks.

• Enjoy cultural presentations and folk dances.

After eating:
• Browse the craft stalls.
• Dance in the street to traditional music.
• Participate in games, raffles, and recreational activities.
• Some attend the harvest thanksgiving mass.

 

References used:

Wikipedia – La Labor (Honduras):   https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Labor_(Honduras)
Iconos Mag (2018) – Festival del Maíz:     https://iconosmag.com/categoria-actualidad/categoria-honduras-504/festival-del-maiz-la-labor/
Noticias Honduras (2018) –  Festival del Maíz en La Labor: https://www.noticiashondurashn.com/?p=14345
 Facebook – Festival del Maíz La Labor Ocotepeque (página oficial):https://www.facebook.com/p/Festival-Del-MaízLa-Labor-Ocotepeque-100066678381015

Thank you

Angel Obed López