Since I rejoined the AR community, I have many recipes that AR members gladly share. For this reason, I'd like to share the history the tamale, a Christmas tradition in the Latin Community. The explanation comes from an article written in 2022 by Lauren Mack from 'Gold Belly.'
Growing up in Texas, tamales at Christmas was a Christmas tradition. They were only prepared during the Christmas holidays. It is a labor of love to make tamales from scratch. My parents made them from scratch every Christmas. The tradition is popular in the Southwestern part of the U.S. In 2024, I suspect that it has spread beyond the borders of the Southwest.
Many other Spanish speaking countries prepare tamales as a tradition during Christmas. The preparation and what they are filled with vary from region to region.
How Did Tamales Become a Christmas tradition?
Tamales have been eaten for centuries — the Mayans, Aztecs, Incas, Toltecs, and Olmecs ate them — and corn had a special place in Mesoamerica. These bundles of corn were offered as sacrifices to the gods as many believed corn was used by the gods to make humans.
The time-honored tradition of making — and eating — Christmas tamales begins before Christmas. It extends through the 12th day of Christmas. The fun begins on December 12, which is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Mexican holiday that commemorates when the Virgin Mary appeared before a peasant, Juan Diego, in the 16th century. The feasting ends on January 6, which is Epiphany, the last day of Christmas and the day the three kings visited Jesus after his birth.
During this nearly month-long period, tamaladas (tamale making parties) are held, and families and friends come together to make Christmas tamales with a variety of fillings like chicken and Hatch chiles, black beans and cheese, and even newer creations like El Charro Cafe‘s Vegan Hazelnut Dessert Tamales. These hazelnut tamales are made with hazelnuts, hazelnut spread, and a dash of cinnamon.
Tamale making isn’t just reserved for Christmas. Talamadas are also held before important celebrations like wedding anniversaries and baptisms.
How to Eat a Tamale
To eat a tamale, simply unwrap the corn husk wrapper like a Christmas present and dig in! Tamales make an excellent Christmas dinner or a tasty snack to eat during your holiday travels. Some food explorers like to top their tamales with tomatillo sauce or red chile sauce.
Most Famous Tamales
The most famous tamales are Christmas tamales from Texas and beyond.
Joe Mojica
Laer Realty Partners Bowen
Mobile: 561-431-4069
Office: 772-207-7669
Email: Flproperties@joemojica.com
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