Whenever I think back to this day, I hear the song La Gozadera from Gente de Zona. One line in the song is exactly like the title. So, have a listen and enjoy!
The Premise
Besides my West African, Togolese culture, I’ve always been drawn to Latin American culture.
It’s the music — African percussion meeting tropical rhythms, wrapped in Spanish. Honestly, it probably makes sense. African culture influenced so much of Latin culture, and somehow it feels closest to home outside of Germany and Togo. If that makes sense at all.
That’s partly why I studied Spanish. But… did I really study it if I was locked in my tiny student dorm room? Because Covid shut down any chance of going to Spain — no immersion, no real-life practice, no finally figuring out when to use subjuntivo, imperfecto or indefinido. Lol.
Anyway.
I saw an ad for a Latin American festival during the week. I was alone — as usual during lockdown — and once restrictions eased, I made it a habit to go out by myself.
Around that time, I also became my own strange version of a health nut. I’d watch My 600 lb Life while trying to “be good,” even though I’ve always been someone who soothes themselves by eating. Not eating — gorging, just to feel full, because emotionally? Empty. Ironic, right?
Still, for that one day, I decided I wouldn’t miss out on dancing and food.
The Event
I made my way from Heidelberg to Mannheim — Alter Messplatz, to be exact. From the tram stop, it was about a ten-minute walk to the festival grounds. It was a beautiful, hot summer day, and I was dressed for the occasion.
After 10–15 minutes, I finally arrived. I was searched to make sure I wasn’t sneaking in any food or drinks, and then — there I was.
First stop: the empanada stand.
Empanadas are a South American delicacy — basically a savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, or sometimes even fruit. Every country has its own version. That day, the options were cheese, beef, and pollo.
I didn’t hesitate. Beef empanada.
I found a place to sit and absolutely went to town on it. After that, I treated myself to an overpriced cocktail — maybe a Caipi, maybe a Mojito. Don’t ask me which one. I just remember it was good.
Next stop: a Peruvian stand. That’s where I saw salchipapa and immediately felt hypnotized.
Salchipapa is a beloved street food across South America and the Caribbean. The name says it all: salchicha (sausage) and papa (potatoes — specifically fries). Traditionally topped with ketchup; mustard and mayo – Salsa Rosada but that day? Ketchup and mayo. Germans would call it Pommes Schranke.
IT WAS EPIC.
Amazing.
10/10.
No notes.
Last but not least: plátanos maduros con queso — sweet plantains with cheese.
If you know anything about African cuisine, you know we love plantains. So of course, I didn’t think twice. I’d never had them prepared like this before, and wow — absolutely beautiful.
Fully fed and slightly undone, I spent the rest of the time enjoying the music, watching people dance, kids running around, everyone just… alive.
It was a good day. A day away from my bachelor’s thesis. One of those small, perfect experiences.
Before leaving, I stopped by the empanada stand one last time, attempted to speak Spanish (heavy emphasis on attempted), and bought one for the way home — with a little salsa.
And there we go.
If you are interested in more of my culinary excursions, check out this story on the The Spot .
