Making Tamales is a family tradition and community ritual among Mexican, Mexican-American people that is also shared by a diverse mixture of Latin American cultures. The tradition of making tamales with extended families especially during the Christmas holidays can help develop a sense of unity and community, and breaks down borders and barriers between people and cultures.
A gathering of families to make tamales during the holidays is always a welcome opportunity to be together for conversation and food. And sitting together to eat as a family is a good way to start the evening.
A gathering of families to make tamales during the holidays is always a welcome opportunity to be together for conversation and food. And sitting together to eat as a family is a good way to start the evening.
Community Tamalada
Join us for a heartwarming gathering filled with culture, tradition, and community! Our annual Community Tamalada is the perfect time to come together, make tamales, and celebrate the holiday season with friends and family.
Community Tamalada
I would like to attend
What to Expect:
Hands-on Tamale Making: Learn from Chef Carmen an experienced tamalera who has been passing down the tradition of making tamales, and other Mexican food, for many years. We are proud to have her join us again this year.
When: Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 12-2pm
Where: Casa Azúl Taquería, 840 Allens Ave, Providence 02905
Cost: $20 per person, You will take six+ tamales home.
You may purchase traditional Mexican drinks (aguas frescas) that perfectly pair with tamales, or if you're so inclined, Alejandra makes a mean Margarita!
You may also purchase individual tamales for $2.50 each — they will be filled with green chile and cheese To place your order for the tamales, you may pay using any of the payments below.
Hands-on Tamale Making: Learn from Chef Carmen an experienced tamalera who has been passing down the tradition of making tamales, and other Mexican food, for many years. We are proud to have her join us again this year.
When: Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 12-2pm
Where: Casa Azúl Taquería, 840 Allens Ave, Providence 02905
Cost: $20 per person, You will take six+ tamales home.
You may purchase traditional Mexican drinks (aguas frescas) that perfectly pair with tamales, or if you're so inclined, Alejandra makes a mean Margarita!
You may also purchase individual tamales for $2.50 each — they will be filled with green chile and cheese To place your order for the tamales, you may pay using any of the payments below.
If you can't make it to the Community Tamalada, below are two videos: one is a bilingual recording by Marta V. Martínez, RILA's Executive Director — we invite you and your family to listen to Too Many Tamales, by Gary Soto, which will leave you oh so ready to make your own. The other is a video of Chef Carmen going through the steps on how to make your own tamales, after you finish reading the book.
Too Many Tamales Read-Along
Here is a Read-Along video, read in Spanish by RILA's Executive Director, Marta V. Martinez. To order a copy of the book in Spanish and/or English, visit this link.
Follow Along with Chef Carmen
Learn how to make your own tamales from Chef Carmen of Casa Azul Taquería in Providence. Download a copy of the recipe in advance so you can purchase ingredients as you follow along.
Champurrado is a traditional Christmas drink that goes well with tamales. It can also keep you warm on a cold Winter night. It sticks to your belly and warms you up early in the morning before you go out to work or school.
Too Many Tamales | El Libro
We have limited copies of Too Many Tamales in both English and Spanish for sale at $10 each for softcover and $12 hard cover. To purchase a copy, click the link below and we will set one aside for you in time for the holidays.
