Mexican Tamales
Steamed in corn husks or banana leaves, tamales are more than just food. They’re a symbol of life, ancestry, and celebration in Mesoamerican cultures. Whether served during holidays, religious ceremonies, or Sunday mornings with family, tamales have many stories.
The Legend of Tamales
Tamales origins date back thousands of years to the Aztec, Maya, and other Indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica. Legends says that tamales were being offered to the gods, carried by warriors into battle, and served at great feasts. The name comes from the Nahuatl word tamalli, meaning “wrapped.”
As Spanish colonization reshaped the region, tamales also changed: blend of local maize with new meats, spices, and cooking techniques. Yet the heart of the tradition remained: a filling wrapped by masa, wrapped in leaves, and steamed to perfection.
The Culture of Tamales
In Mexico, tamales are festival food especially during Christmas, Día de la Candelaria, and family gatherings. Making them is usually a family task. Families and friends gather for a tamale-making party, where everyone has a role: spreading masa, adding fillings, folding husks, or steaming the batches.
Learn how to make tamales at home!!!
The Museum of Food and Culture is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. EIN: 84-2913321.
©2025 by Museum of Food and Culture.