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A Sweet Celebration of Tradition
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drenched in that glorious chancaca syrup… Picarones are not just a dessert; they are part of our identity!
Have you tried them? If not, you’re in for a treat…
Every third Friday of October, the streets of Lima get sweeter to celebrate one of their most beloved culinary traditions: National Picarón Day. By a decree from the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI), this date pays tribute to a dessert that is much more than a simple delicacy; it is a symbol of our history, cultural blending (mestizaje), and the unmistakable flavor of Lima’s street food scene.
If you plan to visit the capital in October, get ready to immerse yourself in a festival of flavors, where fig syrup, squash, and sweet potato are the main stars.
Picarones: The Sweet History of Peru
The origin of picarones dates back to the colonial era, as an adaptation of the Spanish buñuelo. However, native ingredients like squash and sweet potato gave them their own identity and a unique flavor. Their ring shape resembles the Incan sun, and it is believed they were offered to the gods. Over time, they became popular as a homemade dessert and later as a classic of Lima’s street gastronomy.
Their preparation is a true art: a soft, elastic dough is skillfully dropped into hot oil, puffing up into its characteristic shape. The final touch is a generous drizzle of chancaca syrup, scented with cinnamon and cloves, which creates a perfect contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender interior.
Where to Enjoy the Best Picarones in Lima
National Picarón Day is the perfect excuse to explore the corners of Lima in search of this delicacy. Here are some places where you can try them:
- Alameda Chabuca Granda: Located in the heart of Lima’s downtown, picarones are undisputed protagonists here. View map
- Kennedy Park, Miraflores: Famous for its dessert fairs, it is an ideal spot to find the best picarones in Lima, prepared on the spot by expert vendors. View map
- Friendship Park, Surco: During the celebrations, this park often hosts food fairs with stands dedicated to this dessert. View map
- Surquillo Market: Visit this traditional market to find homemade desserts, including picarones with an authentic neighborhood flavor. View map
Join the Celebration!
For limeños, the picarón is a dessert that evokes childhood memories and family gatherings. National Picarón Day is an opportunity to honor this tradition, whether by trying the dessert at a prestigious restaurant or, even better, at one of the street carts that keep the popular essence of this dish alive.
National Picarón Day is not just a feast for the palate but a tribute to the resilience and creativity of Peruvian culinary tradition.