Zapopan, Jalisco, November 3, 2025.—The Guadalajara campus of theUniversidad Panamericana ( ) brought the 21st Hospitality Seminar to a spectacular close with a themed dinner inspired by the Day of the Dead, where flavor, tradition, and creativity came together to offer a unique experience to university administrators from 18 countries.
The culinary evening, designed and organized by seventh-semester students in the Hospitality and Management program, featured a paired-wine menu, mariachi music, and Mexican folk dance, symbolizing the bond between culture, family, and memory.
International Exchange for Sustainable Hospitality
During the closing ceremony, Cecilia González, M.A., director of the Hospitality and Management program, thanked the international universities for their participation and highlighted the importance of global collaboration in training leaders for the tourism and culinary sectors.
“We have shared ideas, exchanged knowledge, and explored ways to strengthen harmony within our alliance. It has been inspiring to see how each member, with their unique perspective and experience, has contributed to the common goal of building a stronger alliance, ” said the director.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Universidad Panamericana, the Institut Lyfe, and Alliance Network, a global academic network that brings together more than 20 countries committed to innovation in hospitality, gastronomy, and sustainable tourism.
Chef Maxime Moïse, director of international strategic partnerships at the Institut Lyfe, expressed his gratitude to the Universidad Panamericana , and the organizing team. The seminar was organized by María José Funes, M.A., and Dr. Gabriela Ramírez, while the dinner was prepared by the students under the guidance of Chef Fernanda Vergara.
“We’re recharged and ready to get back to work full of energy. We had a wonderful week thanks to you all,” said Maxime.
Flavors with History and Meaning
The Day of the Dead -themed dinner not only showcased Mexico’s rich culinary heritage but also conveyed the emotional significance of this ancient celebration. The students, guided by Chef Fernanda Vergara, created a menu that incorporated symbolic elements from the Day of the Dead altar.
The menu featured dishes such as red snapper tiradito with salt, symbolizing purification; cured nopal ceviche, whose smoky flavor represents the copal that guides souls; pulque and soursop sorbet; mole with squash blossom tamales; and fritters with pumpkin syrup.
Each dish reflected the values of Mexican tradition and its connection to family, memory, and gratitude—such as mole, which, with its many ingredients, symbolizes the country’s richness shared within the community.
The venue was decorated with cempasúchil flowers, candles, and natural materials, creating a warm and symbolic atmosphere. Mariachi music and folk dancing brought the evening to a close with a tribute to Mexican culture.
La Panamericana: A Space for Creativity and Cultural Connection
Through this event, theUniversidad Panamericana reaffirms its commitment to the well-rounded education of its students and to promoting Mexican culture around the world. The seminar facilitated an international academic exchange focused on the future of sustainable hospitality, while offering students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.
As a result, Panamericana has established itself as a leader in culinary education and hospitality, combining tradition, innovation, and values in every academic experience.
Discover how the " Universidad Panamericana " drives innovation in hospitality and gastronomy at: https://www.up.edu.mx/educacion-esdai-oferta-academica-licenciatura-en-administracion-y-hospitalidad-cdmx/
