Cochinita Pibil Story

Few who travel to the Yucatán Peninsula leave without trying cochinita pibil—pulled pork cooked underground in a pibil (earth oven), seasoned to perfection, and often served in tortillas.

For many locals, this dish is the Yucatán. It represents the deep Mayan roots of their culture. The Yucatán Peninsula was once primarily home to the Maya, one of the most advanced cultures in the ancient world. When Spanish conquistadores arrived, they brought pigs with them. The Maya soon applied their indigenous techniques to season and cook this new animal, which they named with a blend of Spanish and Mayan language: cochinita pibil.

The people of the Yucatán prize this recipe, which allows for no variations. This dish is bursting with flavor and filled with the love of the Yucatán.

— Submitted by Professor Dr. Brian Price, Spanish and Portuguese