Growing up in the Suba, Costa Azul neighborhood of Bogotá, Colombia, in the early ‘90s, Alejandra Loaiza, a talented photographer, always had a special place in her heart for mecato. Mecato, a Colombian term for snacks or small bites, encompasses a variety of delicious treats such as empanadas, arepas, plantain chips, and chicharrón. These affordable snacks are commonly found at street food stalls and play a significant role in the social and cultural fabric of everyday life in Colombia.
For Loaiza, mecato was more than just a snack – it was a cherished part of her childhood memories. After coming home from school, she would head straight to an arepa truck near her house. On lazy Sundays, the aroma of tamales from the neighborhood bakeries filled her senses, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia. According to Loaiza, mecato “gives life to the neighborhood” and serves as a reminder of the vibrant Colombian culinary tradition.
When Loaiza relocated to Europe over a decade ago, one of the things she missed the most was the late-night mecato offerings. In Paris, where she currently resides, the only available option at 3 a.m. is kebab, which, while tasty, lacks the warmth and familiarity of traditional Colombian snacks. Loaiza longed for a comforting bowl of soup in the wee hours of the morning, reminiscent of the late-night mecato experiences from her childhood.
Inspired by her love for mecato and the cultural significance of Colombian street food, Loaiza embarked on a photography project to celebrate these culinary delights and the everyday rituals that define Colombian life. Collaborating with her friend, the talented Colombian artist and set designer Jhonson Camilo Tovar Quintero, Loaiza created a series of vibrant diptychs that capture the essence of Colombian food and culture. The diptychs feature a mix of food stalls, restaurants, Catholic iconography, and national pastimes like tejo, Colombia’s national sport.
For Loaiza, the project is a way to preserve and immortalize the places and traditions that hold a special place in her heart. Through her lens, she hopes to capture the essence of Colombian cuisine and culture, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of her homeland. As she shares her project with the world, Loaiza invites viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of Colombian gastronomy and traditions.
In a world where culinary traditions are constantly evolving, Loaiza’s ode to mecato serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of food to connect us to our roots and heritage. Through her photography, she invites us to savor the flavors and stories of Colombia, one delicious bite at a time.
