Reliquary: northern tradition full of flavor

If you have never lived in Zacatecas or La Laguna, you might find it strange to see a line of people on the street carrying a Tupperware in their hands. However, for the residents of these areas, this curious gesture indicates something good: they are giving a reliquia. The reliquia is a way of giving thanks. Unlike other promises where only the person who received the favor is involved, in reliquias, all members of a family or community usually participate. In fact, the organization of the reliquia can be inherited, passing the tradition from generation to generation. This act of thanksgiving originated in the state of Zacatecas more than 100 years ago. The Catholic believers of that time decided to show their gratitude to the Virgin by offering food to the pilgrims. Gradually, it became customary to give food on December 12. With the opening of railway lines at the end of the 19th century, migration began to expand across the national territory, leading communities of Zacatecanos to other parts of the country. One of the regions where they settled was La Laguna (Torreón, Gómez Palacio, and Lerdo, in the states of Coahuila and Durango). The population of these municipalities gradually began to incorporate the customs of the Zacatecan migrants, thus giving rise to the reliquia lagunera. Although the objective of any reliquia is to give thanks, there are some differences between the Zacatecan and lagunera traditions. Believers in the state of Zacatecas usually organize more reliquias for the day of the Virgin, while in La Laguna, celebrations predominate on October 28, the day of San Judas Tadeo. Another interesting detail is the food offered at these gatherings. In Zacatecas, it is common to serve wedding roast, mole, rice, beans, and pastas. However, depending on the resources of the family organizing it, liquid reliquias like birria, pozole, or menudo may also be offered. In contrast, in La Laguna, the foods of a reliquia are always the same: pork roast and 7 soups. While these customs have a religious origin, today, the reliquia plays an important role in the cultural identity and gastronomic tradition of these regions. According to the Cultural Information System, the reliquia is part of the inventory of the intangible cultural heritage of our country. The cultural wealth of Mexico is not only found in art or historical buildings. The gastronomic tradition of the different regions of the country reflects the unique heritage and mestizaje in Mexico. And it is up to us to keep these traditions alive. Let’s eat reliquia! Recipes to prepare reliquia at home: Northeastern style pork roast Homemade beef birria Dry noodle with chipotle Noodle soup with tomato   Sources: Sic.cultura.gob.mx Elsiglodetorreon.com.mx Elsiglodetorreon.com.mx Historiacocina.com Elsoldezacatecas.com.mx Milenio.com Ntrzacatecas.com