Official Tamale Season in El Paso: October 31st through February 2nd!
Official Tamale Season Declared in El Paso County!
El Paso County has officially designated October 31 to February 2 as Tamale Season, celebrating the cherished tradition that brings warmth and community together. Food City is proud to continue this legacy, hand-making tamales with love since the 1980s. We thank the County for this resolution and celebrate all the tamale makers who keep this tradition alive!
Olmec and Totlec native hieroglyphs have depicted the importance of tamales in their cultures for thousands of years. For centuries, tamales have marked important gatherings around celebrations and holidays throughout Latin culture.
While anyone may enjoy a tamale any time of year, there has come to be a “peak season” for tamales in the Borderland. October 31 through February 2 can arguably be named Official Tamale Season in El Paso!
Halloween parties are complete with a hearty helping of red or green tamales. On the day after Halloween we jump right into Dia de los Muertos and celebrate the memories of dearly departed loved ones with food “ofrendas,” or offerings. Of course, tamales are an important part of those offerings.
While a traditional turkey feast is typical for Thanksgiving, a jump in tamale sales is something we expect every year. A tamal is easy to heat up and is the perfect food pairing for watching football!
Soon after Thanksgiving is the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12, another big day for tamales as people hold celebrations to honor Our Lady. Throughout December, people host posadas at their homes with music, matachines dancers, and food for guests. As the weather can turn especially chilly, tamales make a wonderfully warm and hearty meal that hits the spot!
The peak of the Official Tamale Season is Christmastime. There is a literal rush on every place that makes tamales to cover the party spreads wherever they may be in the Borderland. Red, green, green chile cheese, sweet, it doesn’t matter the flavor, tamales tend to sell out during this time! One of the most popular traditions in our area is that families gather to make tamales on Christmas Eve, an excellent opportunity to bond and share this culinary art with little ones.
On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, tamales are a convenient no-cook party meal. Full bellies make happy guests, and tamales are up for the challenge every year!
Between the day of Epiphany (Three Kings Day) on January 6 and Candlemas (Candelarias) on February 2, there are plenty of reasons and opportunities to devour tamales as the Official Tamale Season winds to a close. The person who is lucky enough to find the little toy baby in their slice of “rosca” cake on January 6 is obligated to host a party on February 2 with tamales. This four-week stretch also tends to be the coldest part of winter in El Paso, and the time when the NFL playoff games are on television, leading into the big game in mid February.
Tamales hold a vital place in our culture. Tamales are the official food of “Please-Help-Us-Get-Through-the-Winter!” from October 31 through February 2 each year.
Last year, Food City Tamales were featured in a USA Today article!
Making your own Tamales?
Here’s everything you can find at our stores to help:
If You Shop at Ranchland:
Steamers - Aisle 1A
Corn Husks Produce Department
Masa Preparada Meat Department
Maseca Aisle 9A
Lard Aisle 9A
Pork Butt Meat Department
Masa Spreaders Aisle 1A
Dried Red Chile Pods Produce Department
Muenster Cheese Back Wall Lunch Meat Case
Long Green Chile Produce Department
If You Shop at Estrella:
Steamers - Front End Aisle 1
Corn Husks Produce Department
Masa Preparada Meat Department
Maseca Aisle 3
Lard Aisle 3
Pork Butt Meat Department
Dried Red Chile Pods Produce Department
Muenster Cheese Lunch Meat Case
Long Green Chile Produce Department
How to Defrost and Heat Up Your Frozen Tamales
If you need a lot of tamales for the holidays, we recommend stocking up now and freezing them to ensure you have enough! Stocked up on tamales and ready to enjoy them? Here’s a simple guide to perfectly defrost and reheat them:
Step 1: Defrost in the Fridge
Transfer your tamales from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw for about 24 hours. This slow defrosting process ensures even heating later.
Step 2: Warm Up Your Tamales
Steaming Method
Reheat your tamales in a steamer for the best results. This method helps maintain their moisture and flavor.
Microwave Method
If you’re short on time, you can use a microwave:
Place a damp paper towel over each tamale or sprinkle a bit of water on the husks to keep them from drying out.
Microwave on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Enjoy your tamales, warm and delicious!