Turismo gastronómico y transiciones alimentarias en Malinalco, Estado de México

Abstract

Food is a basic necessity and a social phenomenon, as it not only satisfies a biological need but also reflects cultural identities, economic inequalities, and social practices. However, in recent years, Malinalco has undergone a transformation driven by new consumption patterns, where tastes and desires are diversifying—more so than mere necessity—based on emerging consumer profiles. Some of the phenomena resulting from this transformation are food gentrification and the rise of gourmet cuisine, which have gradually displaced traditional foods or created new, high-cost dining spaces. This social phenomenon is evident in the study area following its designation as a Pueblo Magico, where a structural shift has occurred, not only in the culinary offerings but also in other economic activities. In this regard, the objective of this study was to identify the food transitions in the municipality of Malinalco, which provide a basis for clarifying whether there is cultural resistance to local cuisine or whether food gentrification is occurring as a result of tourism. To this end, based on a case study involving on-site fieldwork, the main streets of the municipality of Malinalco were surveyed to identify the particularities of culinary tourism and the offerings within the tourist destination. Through documentation of 46 establishments exhibiting attributes indicative of food gentrification and gourmetization, characteristics of social integration and commercialization have been defined. A preliminary conclusion is that, although traditional roots prevail, local displacements are already beginning to occur, defined by new consumption trends.