La Michoacana: origin and legacy of Mexico’s traditional ice-cream shops
April 1, 2024
Jean G. Fowler
Latest Modification Date: 4/1/24
Much like a reliable store that you can find almost anywhere, La Michoacana is on almost every corner of both Mexico’s major cities and towns. Sometimes it’s enough to walk a few blocks to find a different Michoacana store with a wide variety of ice cream flavors, nieves, paletas, fresh waters, snacks, and goodies.
La Michoacana chain has become famous for its mouth-watering and natural ingredients, becoming a household name for over 60 years. Have you ever tried a piña colada or a horchata water on a hot day? Or had a frozen treat with chamoy?
Origin of La Michoacana
The name "La Michoacana" refers to the Mexican state of Michoacán, which is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, including the production of ice cream and paletas (popsicles).
The Michoacan popsicle shops were born more than 60 years ago in Tocumbo, Michoacán, thanks to a homemade recipe for making barrel ice cream. After that, in 1942, the first Michoacana popsicle shop opened in Mexico City.
Ten years later, in 1959, they began to sell refreshing drinks. Quickly gaining popularity and opening more shops, in 1960, different names began to be used for the stores: La Flor de Michoacán, Lindo Michoacán, Las Delicias de Michoacán, La Fuente, and of course, La Michoacana.
It's important to note that La Michoacana is a common name for ice cream shops in Mexico, and many independently owned and operated businesses use it. Each shop may have its own unique recipes and variations, contributing to the overall diversity of flavors and offerings within the brand.
The Michoacana tradicional doll
Besides their ice cream, fruits, and paletas, the Michoacana has another distinctive factor: the “guarecita” doll as their logo.
The doll is a traditional craft practice in Mexico that preserves the magic and humility of Mazahua indigenous women. These rag dolls with colorful ribbons have their origin in Michoacán and the State of Mexico. They were crafted as an alternative to the toys sold in markets, primarily porcelain dolls imported from Spain, by the Mazahua ethnic group.
Currently, there are more than 150 popsicle shops in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Europe and Panama with different concepts, but carrying the tradition born in Michoacán. Have you tried their paletas?
We want to hear from you! Share with us if you've visited La Michoacana or if you’ve tried any other traditional food shops.
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La Michoacana: origin and legacy of Mexico’s traditional ice-cream shops
April 1, 2024
Jean G. Fowler
La Michoacana: origin and legacy of Mexico’s traditional ice-cream shops
April 1, 2024
Jean G. Fowler
Much like a reliable store that you can find almost anywhere, La Michoacana is on almost every corner of both Mexico’s major cities and towns. Sometimes it’s enough to walk a few blocks to find a different Michoacana store with a wide variety of ice cream flavors, nieves, paletas, fresh waters, snacks, and goodies.
La Michoacana chain has become famous for its mouth-watering and natural ingredients, becoming a household name for over 60 years. Have you ever tried a piña colada or a horchata water on a hot day? Or had a frozen treat with chamoy?
Origin of La Michoacana
The name "La Michoacana" refers to the Mexican state of Michoacán, which is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, including the production of ice cream and paletas (popsicles).
The Michoacan popsicle shops were born more than 60 years ago in Tocumbo, Michoacán, thanks to a homemade recipe for making barrel ice cream. After that, in 1942, the first Michoacana popsicle shop opened in Mexico City.
Ten years later, in 1959, they began to sell refreshing drinks. Quickly gaining popularity and opening more shops, in 1960, different names began to be used for the stores: La Flor de Michoacán, Lindo Michoacán, Las Delicias de Michoacán, La Fuente, and of course, La Michoacana.
It's important to note that La Michoacana is a common name for ice cream shops in Mexico, and many independently owned and operated businesses use it. Each shop may have its own unique recipes and variations, contributing to the overall diversity of flavors and offerings within the brand.
Latest Modification Date: 4/1/24
The Michoacana tradicional doll
Besides their ice cream, fruits, and paletas, the Michoacana has another distinctive factor: the “guarecita” doll as their logo.
The doll is a traditional craft practice in Mexico that preserves the magic and humility of Mazahua indigenous women. These rag dolls with colorful ribbons have their origin in Michoacán and the State of Mexico. They were crafted as an alternative to the toys sold in markets, primarily porcelain dolls imported from Spain, by the Mazahua ethnic group.
Currently, there are more than 150 popsicle shops in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Europe and Panama with different concepts, but carrying the tradition born in Michoacán. Have you tried their paletas?
We want to hear from you! Share with us if you've visited La Michoacana or if you’ve tried any other traditional food shops.
