The Genealogical Society of Hispanic America (GSHA) announced this week that it is bringing its annual conference to Albuquerque in 2025, offering the public the opportunity to learn and delve into the cultural, culinary traditions of their ancestors.
This year’s theme, The Foods of Our Ancestors, will take place from August 22 to August 25 and is open to the public and members alike.
Held at the Sheraton Airport Hotel, the three-day conference will explore the deep connection between food, heritage and identity.
“From the intriguing history of chocolate that came from the Aztecs, taken to Spain by Cortez
where it was kept a secret for 100 years, to the traditional foods served at Christmas time and at
Matanzas and family celebrations, explore the unique sensory and cultural connections that
have existed for generations in New Mexican culture and still flourish,” said Gloria Gonzalez-Cook through a press release.
Presentation topics include ancient trade routes, the exchange of ingredients between the Old and New Worlds, horno (outdoor oven) cooking techniques and traditional methods of irrigation and food preservation.
The GSHA, which supports Hispanic genealogical and historical research, encourages participation from beginners to experienced genealogists.
The organization focuses particularly on the migration patterns of ancestors who settled in the American Southwest from Spain, Mexico and other regions.
As the late author Rudolfo Anaya, anointed the godfather of Chicano letters, once said, Comida sin chile, no es comida—and this event strives to confirm it.
For more information or to register for the conference, visit www.gshaa.org or contact Gloria Gonzalez-Cook at ggmdc1970@gmail.com.