THE VITA-MIGAS OF TEPITO

Abstract

Migas, now a hearty dish in some Mexico City restaurants, originated as scrap food in Tepito, a barrio of the city. Made of pig bones, stale tacos and stale bread, migas have become iconic of Tepito and its people. The residents historically maintained themselves and their neighborhood’s viability by rehabilitating discards—appliances, clothing, and food. Surrounded by new upscale residences and under pressure to succumb to urban development, Tepiteños have shown defiance and successfully resist such encroachment. (Barrio, Mexico City, recycling food, appliances, and clothing)