La Vicenta is celebrating for the first time this month of August the day of the griller and as a grill expert, we want to pay tribute to all those who love charcoal and fire.
What gave birth to the day of the Parrillero?
According to the Mexican Society of Grillers, this day is celebrated on the third Saturday of the month of August to commemorate the death of San Lorenzo, the day of the griller is not just another day in the calendar to make grilled meat. San Lorenzo is the saint of the parrilleros.
Lawrence of Rome was in charge of administering the goods of the Church and caring for the poor. In the year 258 Emperor Valerian banned Christian ceremonies; with a death sentence for priests and bishops. Lawrence, seeing the danger they were in, gathered all the goods of the church and distributed them to the poor.
The emperor offered a deal to the now saint, if he would give him all the treasures of the church, he would save his life. Lorenzo then gathered all the destitute, sick, and marginalized, claiming that they were the greatest treasure of the church. The emperor condemned him to a slow death, Lorenzo would be burned alive on the gridiron.
When he was on the grill, the Christians saw a splendor and perceived a pleasant smell. It is said that, as he was burning on the grill, the martyr said “Assum est, inqüit, versa et manduca” “Roasted it is, it seems, turn it and eat it” And so it was that he was martyred on August 10, 258.
Grillers today symbolize better than anyone else the social actions that Lorenzo of Rome carried out. That is why there is now a day to celebrate them and thank them for their great work. Because all the effort they put behind the grill is always appreciated, not everyone is given the task of bringing together people with the noblest reason of wanting to share the food they prepare and serve their guests like no one else.
La Vicenta wants to recognize all those people who care about finding a space to meet with friends and family, taking any opportunity to please them with the unique flavor of their dishes. To all of them our recognition for their unreachable work. Happy Grillers Day!