On Monday, February 2nd, Cuauhtémoc Park on the Malecón will host the Tamale Artisan Festival, where you can enjoy a wide variety of this traditional pre-Columbian food from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Juanita Torres, head of the Directorate of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Affairs for the La Paz City Council, stated that with the change of venue—previously held in the Velasco Garden—there will be more tamale vendors, and the participation of approximately 15 vendors from the Indigenous and Afro-Mexican community is expected.
She mentioned that at the festival, both national and international visitors will be able to enjoy a wide variety of tamales, including sweet tamales, corn tamales, Oaxacan tamales, regional tamales such as the “chollero,” bean tamales wrapped in banana leaves, chepil tamales (traditional to Oaxaca), and date tamales. Atole, champurrado, and hot chocolate will also be available.
He explained that each stand will have about 300 tamales, making it a feast of aromas and flavors for diners, who are expected to turn out in large numbers because the space and location of Cuauhtémoc Park are ideal, and there is ample parking in the area.
He said the festival will take place on Candlemas Day, a date on which, traditionally, those who find the baby Jesus figurine in the Three Kings’ Day bread must provide tamales for those who participated in the gathering. He invited them and all Mexican food lovers to buy their tamales in Cuauhtémoc Park.
He mentioned that this is a larger festival than previous ones, and starting at 5:00 p.m., an up-and-coming musical group will perform, having requested to participate in this celebration of flavor.
Regarding tamales, the municipal director of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Affairs pointed out that “the preparation and consumption of tamales is a very Mexican tradition. It is deeply rooted among us, among the Indigenous peoples, because corn always comes first.”
She mentioned that in her home state of Oaxaca, on February 2nd, Candlemas Day, it is customary to choose a godparent and dress the little dolls that represent the Christ Child to take them to the churches for a blessing, after which a celebration is held where tamales, champurrado, and atole are served to those in attendance.
Source: oem
