Is Mexico a patriarchal or matriarchal society? On one side, we are witnessing the push to advocate against machismo, domestic violence, and gender inequality, while simultaneously observing strong Mexican women often at the forefront of local businesses, grassroots social movements, community initiatives, and government offices. So which one is it?
The answer is not as black and white as one might think. Like most nations globally, Mexico is a mix on the spectrum and leans predominantly as a patriarchal society, meaning men hold most of the power and authority in political, economic, and social institutions, a reality that we are witnessing change with more women in politics as an example. Unlike other countries, though, in Mexico, due to factors such as the history of male migration for work, many households here are effectively headed by women. Mothers and grandmothers often become the primary decision-makers, financial managers, and emotional anchors within the family unit.
In this matrifocal household style, female figures are central, the “mamá” or “abuela” is incredibly revered and holds immense moral and emotional authority within families and communities. They are often the pillars of family stability, cultural transmission, and community cohesion, making Mexico more balanced regarding gender leadership roles than one might think.
Over the last weeks, I had the privilege and honor to shadow and interview one of these strong pillars of La Paz, whose influence radiates well beyond Baja. I observed her magnetism and humility as she successfully managed, organized, and concluded an event of 2000-plus attendees and an operating staff of 850 on May 30, 2025, at the 12th edition of the iconic annual fundraiser, “La Pazión por el Sabor” on the Magote.
If you are unfamiliar with this event, which is also referred to as the “White Party”, it’s the largest annual gastronomic festival in Baja Sur, covering all five municipalities. The idea, which was born almost two decades ago by founder and key organizer Lorena Hinojosa, started as a humble local fundraiser with a handful of others to give back to the local community and is now a large-scale event bringing together local restaurants, producers, wineries, and breweries, raising millions of pesos each year benefiting a total of seven organizations including Red Cross, DIF Municipal, and the Firefighters.
The event, which includes a ferry trip to and from the Magote, ground transportation, plus all the gourmet food and drinks and concerts, operates on a volunteer basis from all participants, with the organization donating their time, resources, and skillsets, ensuring the maximum funds goes to the charities, and with around 2000 attendees this year, at 3,000 pesos per ticket, I’ll let you do the math.
The same dedication, integrity, and grit that allowed Lorena to build her thriving businesses starting from one “small economic kitchen” and no formal cooking background are guiding her to continuously show up and grow this annual event from a humble 12 participants 18 years ago, to 130 this year. As Lorena puts it: “The gastronomic industry is a united family, this event is our way to share that family with everyone, while supporting some of the most important charities in the area. This is a win-win for restaurateurs, the public, and the charities. The success of this event is shared by every volunteer and participant, from the police and security staff to the talented artists, to the serving staff, and more. My core team is made up of three decision-makers and an operating team of ten people, constantly communicating and planning for the event year-round, with active preparation starting in October, six months before each event.”
With over a hundred different booths at the event feeding us, it was impossible for me to even attempt to try half of the offerings. Throughout the night, I saw glimpses of Lorena elegantly ensuring the smooth operation of the evening, unafraid to lead by example. My highlights of the evening, aside from the scrumptious beef tongue mole served on a bed of fermented plantain by Chef Sergio from Los 32 Sabores, were the amazing performances that kept the crowd, all dressed in white, chatting and dancing all night.
Meeting people like Lorena makes me ponder a more realistic view of gender leadership in Mexico. She actively preserves and promotes Mexican culture through food, making her a vital cultural anchor in La Paz while bringing the community together, year after year, to give back to those in need. In some parts of the world, she would be considered a “keeper of the culture,” and that’s how I see her, too. Get your white outfit ready, I’ll see you there next year. In the meantime, if you would like to try Lorena’s homemade 37-ingredient famous chicken mole, you can head to her restaurant Zarape, and you won’t regret it. – Naailah Auladin for more on my work: www.naailahauladin.com or reach me on WhatsApp at: +52 612 141 8002
Naailah Auladin is a life and relationship doula in La Paz, specializing in guiding individuals and families during periods of emotional trauma, crisis, and mental unrest. She focuses on teaching and inspiring individuals to take responsibility and ownership in participating in their civic duties, focusing on the well-being of the self first, as she believes that fostering and maintaining well-managed emotional, mental, and physical health is our first civic duty.