Six years ago, Ana María Picasso left Peru, where she had built a career in journalism, to settle in Spain. What began as a change of pace turned into a new professional venture: today, through her Instagram account @anamariapicasso, she shares recipes, travel experiences, and a lifestyle that blends her Peruvian roots with her new life in Spain.
Looking back on your career in the media, what moments would you say have truly shaped the way you understand journalism?
“I’ve worked in radio, television, and print journalism in my home country. When I moved to Spain, I had to focus on taking care of my family and helping them adjust to a new life. I left my job and went from telling real-life stories to telling bedtime stories to my children. More recently, I found Instagram to be a space where I can share recipes, travels, and discoveries.”
How important is cultural context today when it comes to telling stories in the media?
“Craftsmanship carries a human touch that mass production simply cannot replicate. In a world of globalization and mass manufacturing, many of us have come to value things that are made by hand and with care.”
What role does craftsmanship play in a country’s culture, and why do you think it remains relevant in such a globalized world?
“To me, cooking is also a form of craftsmanship. Every traditional Spanish dish I’ve learned to make has been a way of weaving my own sense of belonging, just as an artisan weaves or shapes their work. Learning a local recipe is much like learning a craft: it requires patience, technique, and memory.”
Is there a book you always recommend?
“I always recommend reading Milena Busquets. I’m currently reading her latest book, Elegant Women, and I’m really enjoying it.”
What place in the world would you love to explore wearing your friulanes?
“I’d love to keep exploring Madrid—its hidden corners and its wonderful restaurants. I’ve been living in Spain for six years, and I still feel there’s so much left for me to discover. I’ve fallen in love with this country.
And I’d also love to keep exploring my own home and my kitchen, because that’s where I’m happiest.”
