La Vasconia: where is the oldest bakery in Mexico City

In Mexico City, there are some buildings that have survived over the years, decades, and even centuries. However, in addition to buildings that have survived time, there are also certain businesses that have done so.

This is the case of La Vasconia, considered the oldest bakery in Mexico City. La Vasconia is a bakery that opened its doors in 1870. This means that it has survived several historical events. To begin with, it was founded when President Benito Juárez was in power.

He also witnessed the death of the president, since he died in 1872. Later, it was active when President Porfirio Díaz was in charge of the country for more than 30 years, and then witnessed the Mexican Revolution.

La Vasconia is located in the heart of the capital, as its location is on Calle de Tacuba number 73, on the corner with Calle de La Palma. The business began when migrants arrived in Mexico from Navarra, in northern Spain. As there was a colony of Basques in the center of the capital, it was that they founded the bakery with that name: La Vasconia.

In its beginning, it started out as a boutique type, and all that was done was white bread and only a certain type of sweet bread. At that time, they were counters where people chose what bread they wanted, that is, it was not self-service.

Also, at the beginning, only five employees worked, at most, but now they have around 70 people working, among men and women, who have positions such as drivers, counter employees, waiters, watchmen, secretaries, etc. the night. Another noteworthy fact is that, at the beginning, the employees were pure men, and the place was very small, compared to what it is now, because at that time it started with about 50 meters in the part where people were being served, and where the workers were creating bread, about 200 meters.

Little by little, the business grew towards other branches, for example, at first, the pastry shop was minimal, and little by little its production increased. Sweet bread also increased, and its variety also grew. Then churros were sold, and today, it also has the service of roasted chickens and lunchery, where you can savor delicious dishes, such as tacos, cakes, etc.

The place has a food area, where there are about 70 tables between the ground floor and the first floor. The La Vasconia bakery does not have branches, although in the past it had some stores, but the owners decided to remove them and keep only the original premises.

Due to the years it has been open and the tradition it represents, La Vasconia is frequently visited by people who come from other countries.

In the 19th century, it is believed that there were about 30 bakeries in Mexico City, of which seven were of Spanish origin. By 1890, the number of bakeries tripled with the arrival of the Baztanese (Baztan is a valley between the Pyrenees and Pamplona) who migrated to Mexico and found the perfect place to live in the Historic Center.

La Vasconia is one of the many bakeries that survives with tradition in the area. In the pastry shop you can find all kinds of pastries, cakes of all sizes. The bread is made throughout the day, so you will always find it fresh and hot. Its founder was Marcelino Zugarramurdi, who started selling between 10 and 30 pieces.

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