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It's time to get excited for National Tamale Day on March 23! This day is a celebration of one of the oldest known foods, which dates back thousands of years. The ancient Aztecs and Mayans are credited with creating tamales from corn dough stuffed with fillings such as meat, cheese or vegetables. Today, people enjoy tamales around the world as there are countless variations made in many different cultures.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>5000 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Tamales</div><div class='timeline-text'>Tamales originated in Mesoamerica as early as 5000 BC and have been a significant part of Mexican culinary history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>19th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tamales in the United States</div><div class='timeline-text'>Tamales started to appear in the United States in the 19th century as Mexican immigrants shared their cuisine.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>20th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Chicago Tamale Vendors</div><div class='timeline-text'>In areas like Chicago in the early 20th century, vendors known as "tamaleros" sold tamales from carts that were a common sight in the city's streets.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>21st Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Popularity Rise in America</div><div class='timeline-text'>Tamales reached a peak of popularity in the 21st century becoming a classic food item in American-Mexican menus.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Tamale Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>Richard Lambert, an enthusiastic tamale lover, petitioned for the establishment of National Tamale Day. The day was recognized and is celebrated every 23rd of March.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a tamale-making party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to help you make tamales. Everyone can bring their own filling and be in charge of rolling up the dough. Once they are all cooked, enjoy them together with some Mexican beer or margaritas.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try a new recipe</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are so many different types of tamales out there; why not try something new? Look up recipes online, visit your local grocery store or Mexican market, or buy a cookbook to get inspired.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a tamale festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities have festivals that celebrate tamales with vendors selling all kinds of tamales. Taste as many varieties as you can and find out which one is your favorite.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Eat tamales for breakfast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Instead of having cereal or toast for breakfast, why not switch it up and have some delicious tamales? They pair great with coffee and will give you the energy to start your day off right.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a tamale potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family to each bring their favorite type of tamale to share. You can also provide drinks, sides, and desserts to make it an even bigger celebration.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tamales are flavorful</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Tamales are a delicious and vibrant dish that can satisfy any appetite! From the combination of masa (corn dough) and filling to the herbs, spices, and sauces used to add flavor to the dish, tamales definitely live up to their reputation as being delectable!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tamales support local business</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When you purchase Tamales from your local business, you’re helping to support them. You’re providing an income for the individuals within that business, while also ensuring quality ingredients. Plus, when you shop from local businesses instead of large supermarkets or chains, you’re helping reduce your carbon footprint by limiting transportation emissions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tamales are customizable</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One great thing about tamales is that they can be tailored to fit anyone's specific tastes. Whether it's adding extra cheese or swapping out beef with chicken – whatever floats someone's boat. So grab some corn husks and start making personalized tamales today!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tamales were once used as portable food for armies</h3><p class='facts-content'>In ancient times, tamales were often packed and used as a convenient source of nutrition for Aztec, Maya, and Inca warriors on long journeys or during battles.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tamales are traditionally a festive food</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Mexico, tamales are often prepared for special occasions and celebrations like Christmas, Day of the Dead, weddings, and birthdays. They are a symbol of community as their preparation often involves the whole family or neighborhood.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The largest tamale ever made weighed over a ton</h3><p class='facts-content'>The largest recorded tamale was made in Mexico and weighed 1,086 kg or 2394 pounds! The gigantic tamale required a team of over 50 people to prepare.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tamales are wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves</h3><p class='facts-content'>Depending on the region, different wrapping materials are used. In Northern Mexico and much of the United States, corn husks are commonly used, while in Southern Mexico and Central America, banana leaves are often the wrapping of choice.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are sweet dessert tamales, too</h3><p class='facts-content'>Not all tamales are savory! Sweet tamales are a delicious variation that can be filled with fruits, chocolate, or sweet beans and often enjoyed as a dessert or breakfast food.</p></div></div>
National Tamale Day is celebrated on March 23 every year. In 2024, National Tamale Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Mar 23
Thursday
2024
Mar 23
Saturday
2025
Mar 23
Sunday
2026
Mar 23
Monday
2027
Mar 23
Tuesday
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