National Tamale Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Events

We celebrate National Tamale Day annually on March 23. On this day, all types of tamales are celebrated, from those filled with meat to those filled with cheese. Tamales are a traditional Latin American dish prepared from masa (corn dough) and a variety of fillings. The maize dough forms the outer pocket, while the fillings form the soft interior. Before eating, each tamale is typically steamed or boiled in a maize husk or a banana leaf. With a single mouthful, you can taste the corn flavor mingling with the delicious fillings.

The background of National Tamale Day

Tamales date back to 7000 B.C. They were first introduced during the reign of the Aztecs. Prior to that time, maize had not yet been discovered. The outer layer was known as ‘teocintle,’ which was the ancestor of modern maize. The ‘teocintle’ was well-liked for its succulent stems. Once the natives had pollinated the corn, the sweet and juicy kernels were revealed within. This was different from the maize we consume today.

In 1612, Captain John Smith asserted that Virginia-natives were the originators of tamales. He continued by describing the tamale-making process he had witnessed: “Their corne they rost in the ear greene, and bruising it in a mortar of wood with a Polt; lapping it in rows in the leaves of their corn, and so boyling it for a delicacy.”

The Mexican bourgeoisie came to associate the word “tamal” with poverty in the nineteenth century. This cuisine was viewed with disdain by the upper classes due to its widespread availability and reputation as a cause of poor health among peasants. The Mexican revolution resulted in a reversal of opinion when bourgeois class sentiments were eradicated and the tamale was reborn as the emblem of Mexican cuisine.

In the 19th century, tamales crossed the frontier into the United States and became extremely popular there. The large Spanish-speaking communities of California, Texas, and Arizona had erected tamale stands everywhere. Tamales were so prevalent on the sidewalks of Los Angeles that the government had to fight to eradicate them. However, such assaults on Mexican culture and cuisine were not tolerated because the locals were already enamored with this delicious dish.

National Cheesesteak Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

NATIONAL TAMALE DAY EVENTS

Construct your own tamale

Tamales may require some time to prepare, but the end result will be well worth the effort. Try searching the Internet for a tamale recipe that is simple to prepare.

Visit a location where tamales are sold.

Authentic tamales can be found at any of the tamale stands set up by Latin American communities in your area. Choose the filling you prefer the most from the options available.

Publish to social media

Don’t neglect to post on social media about this delicious day. Use a picture of your tamale to make your followers salivate.

5 FACTS REGARDING TAMALES

Former President Gerald Ford began to consume tamales without removing the casings.

Tamales are served for breakfast, lunch, and supper in Mexico.

The term is derived from the ancient Aztec word tamalli, which means ‘enclosed.’

All tamales are prepared from corn dough that is wrapped in a layer of masa and then steamed.

This is the case when they are baked with sugar and contain raisins, marmalade, or fruit.

NATIONAL TAMALE DAY DATES