Google honors Chilaquiles with a doodle

The Google Doodle commemorating Mexican chilaquiles was available to all search engine users on May 23rd.

Google has once again delighted its users with a special Doodle celebrating an icon of Mexican cuisine: chilaquiles. On Thursday, May 23rd, Google’s Doodle highlights this delicious dish, illustrated by Oakland-based artist Chava Oropesa. Chilaquiles, which have earned a special place in the hearts and kitchens of millions worldwide, receive this digital tribute in recognition of their cultural and culinary significance.

The illustration features a white ceramic plate with blue designs set on a pink tablecloth. It showcases a hexagon made of tortillas, adorned with green chilies, a fried egg, and the word ‘Google’ cut out of tortillas.

The origin of Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish whose name comes from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, meaning ‘chilies and greens.’ This delicacy originated as an ingenious way to repurpose stale tortillas by frying them and soaking them in salsa.

Today, it has become a staple of breakfast and brunch in Mexico and various regions of the southwestern United States. The preparation varies by region but typically includes fried tortillas, salsa, cream, fresh cheese, onion, and avocado, creating a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that captivate anyone who tries them.

Why does Google celebrate it on May 23rd?

Google has dedicated its Doodle to Mexican chilaquiles to commemorate an important date in honor of this popular dish. This tribute marks the anniversary of the publication of the first widely recognized chilaquiles recipe, which was introduced on May 23, 1962. Google stated that searches for this dish on its browser have been trending every weekend in the United States since the beginning of the year, reaching an all-time high, with interest doubling over the past decade.

This Google tribute not only celebrates a beloved dish but also emphasizes the importance of preserving and honoring culinary traditions that are an integral part of the cultural identity of communities worldwide.

This is why Google removed the chilaquiles Doodle

Before 9 a.m. on May 23, Google had already removed the chilaquiles Doodle from its search engine. Shortly afterward, the company released a statement to the media explaining the reason for its decision. In an official statement, the company revealed why it decided to remove the chilaquiles Doodle.

‘At Google Mexico, we stand in solidarity with those affected by the incident that occurred last night, May 22, in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, as well as with their families and loved ones.’

It is important to remember that on the night of Wednesday, May 22, during the campaign closing event for Lorenia Canavati, the Movimiento Ciudadano party candidate, a stage collapsed, leaving 70 people injured and nine dead. With this context, Google expressed its solidarity with those affected by this incident.

It’s worth mentioning that, although the Doodle is no longer available on the search engine, the dedicated page for chilaquiles is still accessible. This page explains the origins of this dish through various animations.