Assembly Resolution No. 1427

BY: M. of A. Ramos

COMMEMORATING the 2026 SUMAQ Peruvian Food
Festival in Brentwood, New York, held August 8-9,
2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 2026 SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival in Brentwood, New
York, held August 8-9, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Under the dedicated leadership of Director Vicky Diaz, the
SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival has become one of the most anticipated
events of the year, attracting food enthusiasts from all over the United
States; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival is to
promote and disseminate Peruvian cuisine in New York by encouraging
people of other nationalities to gain exposure to Peruvian food and
culture; and

WHEREAS, Peruvian cuisine reflects local practices and ingredients,
including influences from the indigenous population including the Inca
and cuisines brought in with immigrants from Europe (Spanish cuisine,
Italian cuisine, German cuisine) and West Africa; and

WHEREAS, Without the familiar ingredients from the home countries,
immigrants modified their traditional cuisines by using ingredients
available in Peru; the four traditional staples of Peruvian cuisine are
corn, potatoes and other tubers, Amaranthaceaes (quinoa, kiniwa,
kiwicha) and legumes (beans and lupins); the Spanish added rice, wheat
and meats (beef, pork and chicken); and

WHEREAS, Many traditional foods, such as quinoa, kiwicha, chili
peppers, and several roots and tubers have increased in popularity in
recent decades, reflecting a revival of interest in native Peruvian
foods and culinary techniques; and

WHEREAS, SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival works diligently to promote
Peruvian restaurants and chefs from Peru, New York, and the Tri-State
Area yearlong; and

WHEREAS, Magaly Ponce, a renowned chef, educator, and businesswoman,
has received the esteemed recognition as the SUMAQ Peruvian Food
Festival's 2026 Chef of the Year; and

WHEREAS, In addition to sampling delicious Peruvian food, festival
attendees will also enjoy musical performances, Peruvian folk dancing,
Salsa and Bachata lessons, artisan vendors, and a kids show; and


WHEREAS, A cherished event of residents across New York State, the
SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival provides a uniquely warm environment that
attracts a variety of people who come to taste the authenticity of
Peruvian food and enjoy its heritage; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
those important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage
of our great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Events which celebrate diversity and peace contribute to
fulfilling our Nation's great legacy of equal opportunity for all, and
do so profoundly enhance our shared commitment to freedom and justice;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 2026 SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival in Brentwood, New
York, held August 8-9, 2026; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Vicky Diaz Argomeda and William Diaz Marin, Founders,
SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival; Rosario Pajuelo Escobar, Director, Trade
Commission of Peru in New York; Magaly Ponce, SUMAQ Peruvian Food
Festival 2026 Chef of the Year; Kevin Segura Ramirez (2026), Vilma Guia
Orihuela (2026), Blanca Garcia Diaz (2022), Graciela Tiza Iparraguirre
(2018), and Alejandro Roman Garcia (2017), SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival
Ambassadors; and Johan Cuadros, SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival 2025 Chef
of the Year.