A delegation from the state of Miranda formally submitted a request to the Permanent Commission for Comprehensive Social Development of the National Assembly to officially declare the tequeño as a gastronomic and historical heritage of the nation, in addition to establishing October 21 as its National Day.
The request was made to the second vice president of Parliament, Deputy América Pérez, with the presence of the respective subcommittee, led by Deputy Luisa González.
The president of the Somos Guaicaipuro Foundation, Álbaro Delgado, explained that the proposal seeks to celebrate this emblematic preparation annually in conjunction with the anniversary of Los Teques, an initiative supported by the Guaicaipuro Mayor's Office, Mayor Farith Fraija, tequeño masters and the general public.
During his presentation, Manuel Almeida Rodríguez, the official chronicler of Guaicaipuro, emphasized the historical significance of this delicacy, which originated in the kitchen of the Báez sisters, and particularly Josefina Báez, who began wrapping strips of leftover dough in cheese and then frying them. Almeida underscored the importance of this culinary symbol, describing it as “a piece that represents cultural identity, the creative spirit of our people, and specifically, the women who have sustained the culture, identity, and soul of the Venezuelan people.” Also present at the event were Frank Teixeira, creator of the Guinness World Record-holding tequeño measuring over 15 meters, made in 2023, and Juan Báez, the grandson and nephew of the recipe's founders.
For her part, Mariam Martínez, Secretary of Heritage for the Miranda State Government, highlighted that this request consolidates the heritage route initiated after historical research, the publication of the book "El Tequeño es de Los Teques" (The Tequeño is from Los Teques), and its recognition as a National Cultural Heritage Asset in 2023. Martínez emphasized the socioeconomic and cultural impact of the traditional snack, stating: "We are promoting the recognition and work of a great woman, Josefina Báez, (...) and valuing its importance as an element of our cuisine that combines the flavor of Venezuelan white cheese with a delicate dough that envelops it, elevating it to the most demanding kitchens and making it a favorite for everyone." She also emphasized the need to join institutional efforts to safeguard this manifestation of sovereignty, cohesion, and family identity within the inventory of Venezuelan Intangible Cultural Heritage.
