Coffee Lovers Break Attendance Record
The Guatemalan Consulate of Del Rio has hosted community cultural events for years, but their latest endeavor topped the charts. Nearly 100 guests attended “Con Café Guate Sabe Bien” on July 9 at the Val Verde County Library. More than 200 free cups of freshly ground espresso and flavorful imported coffee were distributed. Each guest could sample 3 or 4 different varieties. The room was buzzing; caffeine-fueled laughter filled the normally quiet library.
Consul Ligia Sussely Reyes Armas addressed the crowd with a brief history lesson on coffee’s deep roots in Guatemala. Armas then went onto say: “For many people, tasting this beverage is a special moment, often accompanied by family and friends. It is around a cup of coffee where stories, memories and the day to day are shared. It is a space where bonds are built and meaningful relationships are cultivated.”
Staff the Mexican Consulate, City of Del Rio, Chamber of Commerce, and citizens at large were all in attendance. The invite went out to “all coffee enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.” The consulate provided tastings to all but also welcomed local businesses “to explore the different commercial options that Anacafé has to offer.” Anacafé is the National Coffee Association in Guatemala. Café Cultura, a Guatemalan-Owned Coffee Roaster out of San Antonio drove in to support, bringing along their espresso machine.
Coffee is key for the Guatemalan economy and one of its main export products. Armas said, “our country has eight recognized coffee growing regions, and the unique characteristics of its soil and climate directly influence the distinctive flavor of our coffee.” She also emphasized coffee’s importance beyond economics. Armas explained, “We are looking for the opportunity to explore our variety of coffees and, at the same time, enhance our bond as we share our stories and rich Guatemalan heritage.”
Vice Consul Gonzalo Vasquez helped organize the event. Vasquez reported, for similar events, normal attendance is half (if not less) of what they saw Wednesday for “Con Café Guate Sabe Bien.” Vasquez expressed his excitement to share a piece of Guatemalan culture, and see the community come together in such large numbers. He was worried serving hot coffee on a hot summer day would not draw a big crowd; he was happy to be proved wrong. Based on the event’s success, there should be more Guatemalan coffee tasting in the future. Maybe next time, they will offer iced!
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