HBO’s Like Water for Chocolate brings the beloved novel by Laura Esquivel to the small screen, capturing its rich historical setting and magical realism on location in Mexico.
With production led by acclaimed director Ana Lorena Pérez Ríos and Julián de Tavira, this adaptation uses authentic Mexican landscapes to deepen the storytelling, inviting viewers to step back into the early 20th century amid the Mexican Revolution.
Executive producer Salma Hayek Pinault is proud to bring this classic to life, creating a visual feast that aligns with the novel’s powerful emotions, flavors, and colors.
Where Was Like Water for Chocolate Filmed?
Like Water for Chocolate was filmed in various locations in Mexico. Here’s a look at the key locations chosen to recreate the world of Like Water for Chocolate.
Mexico City, Mexico
The filming began in Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis that perfectly captures the novel’s mix of tradition and modernity.
Here, the production team recreated the era’s atmosphere with attention to period-specific details, especially through the costumes, props, and set design.
The capital city’s architecture and authentic ambiance served as the backdrop for scenes that reflect the bustling lives of characters as they navigate social and familial tensions in early 1900s Mexico.
Haciendas in Tlaxcala, Mexico
A significant portion of Like Water for Chocolate was shot in the state of Tlaxcala, known for its historical haciendas, which served as ideal settings for the ranch and kitchen scenes central to the story.
These haciendas, or large estates, have been preserved and continue to exude the charm of Mexico’s past.
They set the scene for Tita’s emotional journey, grounding the series in authentic rural life as she battles societal expectations and fights for her love for Pedro.
The Importance of Tlaxcala’s Haciendas
The haciendas were carefully selected to align with the novel’s time period and are located in beautiful natural landscapes that add depth and realism to the story.
Each hacienda transports the audience to the very world Esquivel envisioned, where emotions unfold through Tita’s cooking, with traditional Mexican dishes that carry the weight of her memories, hopes, and dreams.
Behind the Scenes: The Journey to Capture Mexico’s Essence
Historical Accuracy in Costumes and Props
The production team worked closely with historians to ensure that every element in the series was true to its historical roots.
From clothing to architecture, costumes were inspired by the woolen garments worn during the Mexican Revolution, designed by Amanda Cárcamo.
This dedication to detail preserves the authenticity of Esquivel’s novel, providing viewers with a visual journey back to the customs and aesthetics of early 20th-century Mexico.
Food as a Central Element
One of the most iconic aspects of Like Water for Chocolate is the way food intertwines with the plot, and HBO’s adaptation honors this by working with food stylist Maru Rangel.
In Esquivel’s novel, each chapter begins with a recipe that mirrors the emotions of the characters.
Recipes such as the Quail with Rose Petal Sauce play pivotal roles in scenes where Tita’s deepest emotions are expressed, adding an additional layer of storytelling that celebrates Mexican cuisine as both heritage and character.
When Did Filming of Like Water for Chocolate Take Place?
Filming for Like Water for Chocolate began in September 2023 and continued until early October, involving a team of approximately 1,200 people.
By choosing authentic settings across Tlaxcala and Mexico City, the series brought to life the evocative world of Tita and her family, with scenes that showcase the unique landscapes and traditional architecture of the region.
Tlaxcala’s support was crucial, with the Filming Support Office from the Secretary of Tourism aiding in coordinating the use of its historical locations.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q: What Is Like Water for Chocolate About?
A: Like Water for Chocolate follows the life of Tita, a young woman in early 20th-century Mexico, whose love for cooking is both her passion and her refuge. Forbidden to marry her true love, Pedro, due to her family’s traditions, Tita expresses her emotions through her cooking, influencing the lives of those around her with every dish.
Q: Who Stars in Like Water for Chocolate?
A: The cast features Irene Azuela as Mama Elena, Azul Guaita as Tita, Ana Valeria Becerril as Rosaura, Andrés Baida as Pedro, Andrea Chaparro as Gertrudis, Ángeles Cruz as Nacha, and Louis David Horné as Juan Alejandrez.
Q: Where Can I Watch Like Water for Chocolate?
A: The series will be available on HBO on November 3, 2024.