At Texas Lone Star Tamales, we believe that our delicious tamales should be a part of every holiday and celebration. The Mexican culture celebrates a variety of holidays throughout the year that have special symbolism and importance. Most holidays are deeply rooted in religion, and everything from what you wear to what you eat has a special meaning. In this blog, we’re going to look at some major holidays and festivals in Mexico.

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican tamales online for your upcoming party or family gathering, be sure to browse our large array of tamales online. We carry some of the most delicious pork tamales, beef tamales, and vegetarian tamales on the market that you’re sure to love. If you have any questions about our tamales, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos, also known as The Day of the Dead, is a Mexican celebration that symbolizes the unity of life and death. This day honors the dead with fun festivals and lively parties and recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience. It is also believed that on this day, the dead become a part of the community as they are awakened from their eternal sleep to join in on the celebration with friends and loved ones.

This unique tradition dates back approximately 3,000 years . It began with the Aztecs and continued throughout the 16th century (this is when the Spanish came to central Mexico), even though the Spanish believed the tradition was sacrilegious. Dia De Los Muertos eventually merged with elements of Christianity and was originally celebrated in the summertime until it was moved to November first and second to coincide with All Saints Day and All Souls Day, respectively.

You’ve likely seen symbols and decor of this holiday, the most popular being the calacas and calaveras, or skeletons and skulls. From skeleton dolls to parade masks and candy skulls, you’ll find these items in homes, restaurants, and even businesses. Many families create colorful altars in their homes to honor their deceased loved ones, using things like flowers and candles to liven up their living space.

Las Posadas

Las Posadas, translated to mean “The Inns”, is a popular religious festival in Mexico that occurs between December 16th and December 24th. This week-long holiday honors the trek that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem . They were traveling for the required census decreed by the Roman government. Everyone had to travel to the place they were born.. As the story goes, the two were unable to find lodging in Bethlehem due to all the travelers, so Mary and Joseph found shelter in a stable where Christ was born.

During this interactive festival, the celebration normally begins with participants holding candles and singing popular Christmas carols. In some cities you’ll find people playing the part of Mary and Joseph, leading the way for others. During this tradition, people visit selected homes and ask for lodging for Joseph and Mary. Traditionally, the procession is always turned away for lodging; however, some hosts will offer refreshments to guests. At each house stop, scriptures are read, and Mass is held each day after the procession.

Nochebuena

Nochebuena, also known as Christmas Eve, is celebrated in Mexico every year on the 24th of December. Translated into “the good night” or “holy night”, it’s a great time for friends and family members to get together. It is one of the most important celebrations for people in Spanish-influenced cultures and is also referred to as Navidad. This holiday comes with a large feast that may include chicken tamales and roasted pork among other things. Many families will decorate their homes with nativity scenes, and most people attend Misa de Gallo or Midnight Mass to commemorate the birth of Jesus (which they believe occurred at midnight).

There is an array of delicious food associated with this holiday. According to Roxanne Soto of the Denver Post, “In Mexico, for example, dinner can include homemade tamales, atole, bacalao (cod) a la Vizcaina or romeritos en revoltijo (a dish made with Mexican greens) accompanied by buñuelos (small donuts) for dessert and ponche (punch) to toast. In other Latin American countries, especially those in the Caribbean, the main dish is roast pork with rice and beans, pasteles (tamales) and different salads. Plus, it wouldn't be Christmas without Coquito, an alcoholic beverage made with coconut milk, condensed milk and white rum."

Semana Santa

As Mexico’s second most popular holiday, Semana Santa runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. This holiday is so important that most schools and businesses close their doors for these two weeks to celebrate. Translated into “holy week”, this festival often involves the reenactment of the Passion of Christ. Often sponsored by specific communities or religious groups, it is considered an honor to be a party of this play or reenactment.

There are many traditions involved with Semana Santa, one of the biggest being the coloring of eggs (similar to what we do in the States for Easter). In the Mexican tradition, however, the eggs, known as “cascarones”, are blown out and filled with confetti.

Cinco De Mayo

Translated to the fifth of May, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday you’ve likely heard of, and possibly celebrated. This day commemorates the defeat of the French army by the Mexicans during the Battle of Puebla, which occured in 1862. In Mexico, this holiday is primarily observed in the city of Puebla; however, other parts of the country join in on the celebration as well. You’ll find parades, speeches, and even reenactments of the battle when you join in on the Cinco de Mayo festivities.

If you plan on celebrating any of the holidays listed above, consider ordering authentic Mexican tamales for your party from Texas Lone Star Tamales. All of our tamales are hand-rolled in real corn husks at a USDA inspected facility, and with no lard, MSG, or gluten, making them perfect for family gatherings and celebrations. Whether you’re craving pork tamales, chicken tamales, vegetarian tamales, or vegan tamales, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in our online store.