Arts and Food
Mr Práta meets Moctezuma
By: Fondita Mestiza
Moctezuma, the “Huey Tlatoani”, rests in his palace, surrounded by luxuries, fruits, and beverages reserved for a select few. One of the high priests bursts into his chambers with unsettling news: a strange being, hailing from distant lands, has arrived in Tenochtitlán. According to the priest, this visitor has an oval-shaped body, a yellowish hue, and attire never seen before. Could it be a god? Or perhaps an imposter?
Cautious as always, Moctezuma decides to invite this mysterious being to one of his customary banquets.
The guest, who introduces himself as Mr. Práta, explains that he comes from a faraway land known as the Emerald Isle. He has heard of the extraordinary culinary wealth of Tenochtitlán and its unique ingredients, found nowhere else. During their conversation, Moctezuma asks him about the foods he has brought along. Mr. Práta reveals one in particular: the potato, a root that also traveled from distant lands but has since become an essential part of his culture and diet.
Intrigued, Moctezuma—known for his curiosity and penchant for experimenting with ingredients from conquered territories—orders his cooks to create new preparations using the potato. In turn, he invites Mr. Práta to observe the native ingredients of the Mexicas, such as maize, cacao, avocado, and chilies.
Thus begins an impossible story: the first attempt to build bridges between two radically different cultures. This interaction seeks to find a shared language through food and the exchange of knowledge.
This artistic installation aims to continue that fantastic narrative. Imagine the creation of a tianguis—a traditional itinerant market—within an enclosed space. The term tianguis comes from the Nahuatl word tianquiztli and refers to the ambulant markets where Mesoamerican traders exchanged goods through bartering. Despite the passage of time and the processes of cultural homogenization, these itinerant markets still thrive on the streets and avenues of Mexico. Today, tianguis are bastions of cultural resilience where one can find everything: second-hand clothing, fruits, vegetables, and, of course, food.
The installation seeks to recreate this multisensory atmosphere, engaging sight, smell, and especially taste. Through a three-course menu, it presents a weaving of two cultures, blending Mexican-inspired dishes with ingredients and products from Ireland that are part of everyday life in Dublin.
This installation and its three-course menu offer a space to explore the connection between two distant worlds and discover how, even in their differences, the act of sharing food and exchanging knowledge can build bridges between cultures—just like that time when Mr. Práta met Moctezuma in the great city of Tenochtitlán.
What is this event about?
This event is an immersive experience that combines art, history, and gastronomy. The installation features a three-course menu, paired with fresh water, designed to immerse attendees in a unique cultural narrative. Each dish is carefully crafted to reflect the purpose of the exhibition, highlighting ingredients that connect two distinct cultures.
The event also includes a host who will guide attendees through the experience, explaining the story behind the dishes and creating a warm, interactive atmosphere. While we strive to stay true to the original menu, we do offer a vegetarian option for those who request it.