Back in 2016, when I was studying Tourism Business Management, there was one event that everyone in my degree looked forward to: the Muestra Turística & Gastronómica. This was the event of the year, the one where we got to show off everything we’d learned about tourism, culture, and—of course—food! It was more than just an academic project; it was a full-blown spectacle, a friendly but fierce competition, and an experience I’ll never forget.
The theme for 2016 was the Olympics, and each of the five teams had to represent a different continent. My team got Asia, and let me tell you—we went all in. Our team was made up of two tourism students (including me) and a group of incredibly talented gastronomy students. Together, we had to create an immersive experience that would transport our audience straight to Asia, through both tourism elements and a carefully curated menu.
We spent weeks researching, planning, and fine-tuning every detail. From decorations inspired by traditional Asian aesthetics to an engaging tourism presentation that highlighted the diversity of the continent, we wanted to make sure we stood out. But let’s be honest—the food was the real showstopper. Our gastronomy teammates worked magic in the kitchen, preparing dishes that not only looked stunning but also packed an explosion of flavors.
As part of our dedication to the theme, my mom made me a beautiful qipao dress, which made me feel even more immersed in our presentation. On top of that, I painted a massive 3×4 meter mural to serve as the backdrop for our display, bringing to life elements of Asian culture with vibrant colors and intricate details. It was a labor of love, and seeing it all come together on the day of the event was incredibly rewarding.
My brother, who is four years older than me, also studied gastronomy at the same university. I attended his Muestras Turísticas multiple times, watching in awe as his team won again and again. Seeing his dedication and success only fueled my excitement when it was finally my turn to participate, and I couldn’t wait to create an unforgettable experience of my own.
Competition day was a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and last-minute touches. The venue buzzed with energy as each team set up their stations, showcasing the best of their assigned continent. Judges, professors, and fellow students walked through, taking in the sights, smells, and tastes of our creations. It was intense, but also exhilarating!
When the moment of truth arrived, we could hardly breathe. And then—it happened. Our team was announced as the winner! The hard work, the sleepless nights, the dedication—it all paid off. We had successfully transported the judges to Asia through our presentation and flavors, and it felt amazing.
After my own Muestra Turística, I wanted to give back to the event that had given me so much. In my senior years, I joined the university’s tourism board and helped organize the next edition of the event. That year’s theme was “Mexican Lotería and Street Food – Maíz y Buenas!” and it was an incredible experience to be on the other side, ensuring that the next generation of students had just as much fun (and learned as much) as I did.
Looking back, this event was more than just a competition. It was a testament to teamwork, creativity, and passion. It was about blending tourism and gastronomy into an experience that people could feel, taste, and remember. And for me, it was one of the highlights of my university years.
Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat. Just don’t ask me to handle the cooking—I’ll leave that to the experts!
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