Foodways | Too Many Tamales

Is there such a thing?

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.

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.
What to Expect:
Hands-on Tamale Making: Learn from Chef Carmen an experienced tamalera as we make tamales together. She 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.

Families welcome and encouraged! You will make a dozen tamales to take home with you.

When: Sunday, December 8, 2024 | 12-2pm
Where: Casa Azúl Taquería, 840 Allens Ave, Providence 02905
Cost: $10 per person, includes one dozen tamales, plus some champurrado, a traditional Mexican drink that goes perfect with tamales.

You may also purchase individual tamales two dollars ($2) each. Registration limited to 20 people.
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.
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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.
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