Pan de Muerto is more than a seasonal treat—its shape, bone-like decorations and citrus-scented dough tell a story of remembrance and centuries of Mexican tradition. Sandra Vázquez of Panio shares the meaning behind this beloved bread, Panio’s artisan three-day process, a recipe to make at home and a special Panio Lab experience for the Día de Muertos season.

Beyond the Catrina makeup and candlelit streets lies a deeply personal celebration of memory, family and love. Local cultural expert Julieta Aguilar Herrera of Mexican Terroir shares how visitors can experience Día de Muertos in San Miguel respectfully—from creating an altar and joining the festivities to understanding cemetery etiquette and the powerful history behind Mexico’s most iconic symbols.

Meet Kajsa Åkerblom Litzen, a Swedish-born chef whose culinary journey has taken her from her grandmother’s kitchen to Paris, Stockholm and ultimately San Miguel. After a lifetime of opening restaurants and cooking around the world, she has found her way back to what she loves most: beautiful ingredients, warm gatherings and creating food that makes people feel at home.

Meet Julieta Aguilar Herrera, founder of Mexican Terroir, whose passion for food, wine and culture has made her an extraordinary interpreter of San Miguel and the surrounding region. From vineyards and mezcal haciendas to local producers and hidden culinary traditions, Julieta helps us discover the stories—and people—behind what we taste.

Meet Gaby Green, a cocinera de corazón who has spent nearly three decades growing alongside San Miguel’s culinary scene—and helping shape it. From traditional fondas and the city’s first food truck to beloved Agua Miel and now her intimate cooking classes, Gaby’s story is one of food, culture, creativity, and the very San Miguel art of reinventing yourself again and again.

Meet Tonya, the woman behind The Empress of Cheese, whose lifelong love of food and cheese has taken her from Canada to Tuscany and ultimately to San Miguel. Today, she calls herself a “cheese storyteller,” connecting people with Mexico’s artisan cheesemakers, local producers, and the stories behind what we eat—all while bringing people together around the table.