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Supporting local Latin artisans to celebrate love, friendship, and culture

By Danika McDowell, Buy BC Brand Ambassador
February 12, 2025

February is the perfect time to celebrate love in all its forms. While Valentine’s Day often steals the spotlight, El Día de la Amistad y el Amor (Day of Friendship and Love) is a beautiful tradition that reminds us to cherish friendships, family bonds, and our community. Celebrated across Latin America on February 14th, this holiday is about showing appreciation for friends, family, and those who bring joy to our lives. You can honour the spirit of this day while supporting local businesses and B.C.-made products, fostering a strong, diverse community.  

Supporting local and celebrating culture 

This month, I am showcasing a selection of vibrant Latin foods and beverages made in B.C. The passion and dedication of these artisans and entrepreneurs provides our province with authentic flavours and meaningful traditions. 

My go to place to shop is Mi Tierra Latina, a proud Buy BC retail partner with eight locations across the Lower Mainland specializing in Latin American and locally made goods. You can also find many of my recommendations at grocery stores across the province or you can order directly from each business online. 

An array of Latin American foods plated and displayed on a vibrant pink blue and yellow Mexican fabric. Supporting Local Latin businesses, all the foods are made or sourced in B.C.
B.C.-made and sourced Latin foods and beverages to celebrate El Día de la Amistad y el Amor. Photo, Danika McDowell.

More than a meal, a connection

Food has always been a way to show love, and supporting local businesses makes those moments even more meaningful. These Buy BC and locally sourced products not only make great gifts and taste incredible, but they also celebrate the rich cultural diversity in our communities. 

Solecito Salsa Verde, Maiiz Salsa, and Fresh is Best Tortilla Chips. Photo, Danika McDowell.

For an easy yet delicious way to celebrate, present Fresh is Best (Kamloops, B.C.) Tortilla Chips with an array of locally made or sourced salsas and dips including: Solecito Foods (North Vancouver, B.C.) Salsa Verde, Maiiz (Victoria, B.C.) Salsa Roja, and Mi Sabor Latino (Canadian made in Quebec) Fresh Salsa and Cilantro Aioli Wasakaka from Mi Tierra Latina (Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, North Vancouver, and Vancouver, B.C.). This fun and interactive snack will get the conversation and laughter rolling.

Antojos y Sabores tamales. Photo, Danika McDowell

Another iconic and delicious Mexican gift is tamales. Antojos y Sabores (Vancouver, B.C.) offers a delightful variety of tamales that pair wonderfully with Agua de Jamaica, a refreshing hibiscus flower drink made with dried hibiscus flowers purchased from Mi Tierra Latina.

The Grand Mexican Factory Hot Sauce
Solecito Foods Burrito. Photos, Danika McDowell.

I love a good burrito and the Bean & Cheese Burrito from Solecito Foods es muy bueno (is very good) especially with a generous amount of The Grand Mexican Factory (Vancouver, B.C.) Chimichurri Traditional Hot Sauce.  

Level Ground Coffee Roasters Peru coffee and La Lula Pastries alfajores. Photo, Danika McDowell.

Coffee and sweets make everything nice. Share the love with a perfect pairing of Peru Coffee from Level Ground Coffee Roasters (Victoria, B.C.) and La Lula Pastries (Port Coquitlam, B.C.) Alfajores.   

Whether you’re raising a glass, passing a plate, or gifting a box of something sweet, let this month be a time to appreciate the people who make life special.  

Supporting local Latin Canadian artisans with B.C.-made and sourced products. Photo, Danika McDowell.

Featured businesses and Buy BC products 

All photos credited to Danika McDowell.
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