Join us for a tour of the sweet bread of Mexico, Latin and South America as we take a new pastry each week to discuss and share history, our favorites, and other fun facts! Call store for availability.
What may look like an unassuming piece of dough is actually layers of delicious and crispy puff pastry with a caramelized glaze known as the banderilla. In Spanish, banderilla translates to ‘little flag’ and is not named after the flag of a country but rather the pointed and colorfully decorated sticks used by the matadors during bullfighting.
It is not surprising a pan dulce is named after some element of bullfighting as the Spanish conquistadors brought the traditional event over along with wheat in the 16th century. Now Mexico is home to the largest bullfighting ring in the world, La Plaza de Toros in Mexico City. In recent years though, many states have outlawed bullfighting due to its cruelty to animals and overall violence. Most recently in October, a bill was introduced to the Mexico City Congress, and endorsed by all three major parties, to outlaw bullfighting and cockfighting in Mexico.
Fortunately there are no movements to outlaw this delicious piece of bread! Looks like it is one yummy tradition that is here to stay.
PS – Join us next week on YPD Week 24 for a special holiday treat!
Buen provecho!
