Festival del Pepián 2026: Flavor, culture, and music in San Juan del Obispo

San Juan del Obispo, Guatemala, is preparing to host its sixth annual Festival del Pepián on June 14, 2026. This vibrant event celebrates one of Guatemala's most representative traditional dishes, offering attendees a rich culinary and cultural experience.

The festival will feature over 20 distinct local recipes of pepián, prepared by cooks from San Juan del Obispo. Visitors can savor these unique versions of the dish, alongside other traditional Guatemalan foods such as gallo en chicha, piloyada antigüeña, tamales, tostadas, and atoles. Daniel Machán, one of the organizers, emphasized the diversity of flavors and generational recipes that will be presented.

Beyond the culinary offerings, the festival will be alive with music from the marimba band Maderas Chapinas, as well as special performances by a violin quintet and the Municipal Band of Antigua Guatemala. Attendees can also explore local handicrafts and products derived from the nispero fruit. Free transportation will be available from Antigua Guatemala to the village, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The festival is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an inauguration ceremony at 9 a.m. Entrance to the event is free. This celebration not only highlights the gastronomic heritage of Guatemala but also promotes local culture and community engagement.

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Visitors will be able to find other typical dishes such as gallo en chicha, piloyada antigüeña, tamales, tostadas, and atoles, among others.