When and where is the Tamal Fair 2024?

The Candlemas Day is celebrated on February 2, so it’s the perfect excuse to plan the ideal way to enjoy the best of Mexican cuisine: tamales! And although you can make your tamales at home, you can also attend the XX Tamal Fair, we’ll tell you when and where it is!See more: 10 mistakes to avoid when making tamalesWhy do we eat tamales on February 2? Green tamales, mole tamales, rajas, and sweet tamales are must-haves on your table this Candlemas Day, just like you shouldn't miss the chance to pair them with a good atole, whether it's fresh, chocolate, or rice. But have you ever wondered why we eat tamales on February 2? According to the UNAM, Mexicans eat tamales on this date because two important dates combined: Candlemas Day and the sowing season. Before colonization, the Mexicas performed rituals and offerings in honor of the gods, preparing dishes made with corn, including tamales. However, it is worth mentioning that tamales were different back then, as they did not include lard or pork. Years later, with the arrival of colonizers, the celebrations in honor of the Virgin of Candlemas and the beginning of the agricultural cycle syncretized, which is why we now eat mole, green, or sweet tamales on February 2. You can also read: The secret of a good tamal: myths and realitiesTamal Fair 2024 As every year, the National Museum of Popular Cultures organizes its traditional Tamal Fair, where we can enjoy a myriad of sweet and savory options to celebrate February 2 in style. When? The 30th edition of this famous fair will take place from January 30 to February 4. Where? What types of tamales will there be? You will find around 50 exhibitors from Mexico and other countries, including: ChiapasMexico CityColombiaEl SalvadorState of MexicoGuatemalaGuerreroHondurasMichoacánOaxacaPueblaTabascoTamaulipasVenezuelaVeracruz Yucatán It is important to mention that, while you will find tamales with common flavors like mole with chicken, rajas, green sauce, sweet, pineapple, chocolate, and blackberry with cheese, there will also be exotic options like pejelagarto tamales, corundas, and zacahuil.To accompany your tamal, the exhibitors will also offer drinks like atole, champurrado, pozole, chilate, and more. Schedule You can attend the Tamal Fair from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Admission is free! This is the perfect plan for the weekend, so don’t hesitate to visit the XXX Tamal Fair with your partner or family. Let us know what tamal you tried!You may be interested in: Tamal dough: how to prepare it and how much do you need?