Feria del Hongos - Cuajimaloyas 2014 - High Times

Last Sunday was the second and final weekend celebrating the hundreds of kinds of mushrooms that grow in and around the mountain village of Cuajimaloyas.  To get to the village go to Tlacolula and turn left and then follow the signs way up into the mountain for 30-45 minutes.  The road is fine if you ignore the rock slides, really no problem.  And then.... up in the clouds.  It was misting heavily or lightly raining and it was cold.

 Soon enough it looked like this.

This feria has gotten quite popular and in no time at all people starting arriving. 

There were displays and mushrooms for sale for cultivation. 

And of course, great mushrooms to eat.  The village is also known for potatoes and because of the soil they have a wonderful rich flavor.  We had hongos and papas, (shrooms and potatoes) in a salsa roja in a taco that was sublime.  But we were just getting started.  This was one of the best "street food" taste treats I've had in quite a while. 

It was mushrooms and cheese in a very light tortilla that was fried and then covered with beans, cheese and salsa.  There were two niñas selling buñuelos. 

They gave us a taste and, I don't know if it is the altitude or what, but they were very different, heavier and crunchier than the ones in the city and much better tasting.  I brought a bunch home with me.  This kid was just stylin'.

While the feria was going on, if one looked up (or listened for the screams of joy/terror, you could see folks on an incredible zip line.  Not the thick one.  That's electricity.  The thin one way up there.

I mean, it was long and high.... long and high... really.  It looked great. 

No, I didn't try it, but only because the climb up to the start looked like a real killer.  Yes, that's the start . Maybe next time.  It runs all year long

Any time of year, the trip is worth it just for the alpine air and the views.