Much is said about the history of Salón Tenampa de Garibaldi, but almost no one knows that this cantina was the first to manifest LGBT dissidence in CDMX. One of its heirs belonged to the community and managed to reflect its identity in the design of the place. However, no one knew it.
The legendary Tenampa is about to turn 100 years old. It was founded in 1925 by merchant Juan I. Hernández; the cantina soon gained popularity for being the first to have mariachis playing live. Nine years after its opening, Juan Hernández died and the business was taken over by his wife Amalia Díaz.
Salón Tenampa was not only a pioneer in the inclusion of mariachis. It was also one of the first bars to be managed by a woman. Amalia commanded respect from diners and drunks; let’s remember that back then cantinas were only for men.
She did not do it alone, but with the support of her sons. One of them is José Hernández Díaz, better known as Tío Pepe. He was a visionary man and ahead of his time; he saw in Salón Tenampa a much greater potential than the success it already had.
Tío Pepe’s artistic sensibility attracted great celebrities to Tenampa.
He was an art aficionado and his involvement in the industry led him to meet celebrities such as María Félix, Lucha Villa and even Frida Kahlo herself.
So it was that the Tenampa went from having gutters for urinating to displaying hand-painted talaveras, paintings and the emblematic murals.
It is precisely in the decoration where Tío Pepe found a space to express his identity. First, in a kind of stained glass windows in the main dining room. It is a colorful installation that maintains a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
It should be noted that the rainbow flag (today a symbol of sexual dissidence) did not exist in the last century, so the Tenampa’s stained glass windows are not directly related to the LGBT community.
What is a fact is that they exposed Tío Pepe’s cheerful and open personality.
He also did so in a series of paintings he commissioned from artist Burgos, which had phosphorescent touches – at a certain time, the room was lit up with black light to make the works glow!
Tenampa Hall in 2025
Today, Salón Tenampa retains the traditions of a century-old cantina. However, it has updated its services so that new generations can get closer to it, learn about its history and preserve regional music and a good atmosphere.
In addition, it has a program of shows such as drag shows, Day of the Dead celebrations, national holidays and much more.
Especially this 2025 it will be going all out… Salón Tenampa turns 100 years old! A festival with music and a great atmosphere will be part of the celebration.