The Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria or Feast in Honor of the Virgin of Candelaria is a popular celebration held in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria, a Marian apparition that appeared in Tenerife (Canary Islands), in the southwest of Spain, at the beginning of the 15th century. It takes place on February 2nd, Candelaria Day, and in some places (Canary Islands, Campillos, Palencia...) it lasts several days, usually because she is the patron saint of the place. (Source: Wikipedia) In Mexico, it is customary for the person who found the hidden baby in the Rosca de Reyes to throw a party (traditionally based on tamales and atole). This tradition has pre-Hispanic roots; in many towns, residents bring corn cobs to the church to be blessed in order to plant their grains in the agricultural cycle that begins, as February 2nd coincides with the eleventh day of the first month of the ancient Aztec calendar, when some tlaloque gods were celebrated, according to Fray Bernardino de Sahagún. In central Mexico, it is customary to dress the baby Jesus from the Christmas nativity and take him to hear mass, after which he is placed in a niche where he will remain for the rest of the year.

Cooking Recipes

To celebrate this important date, we want to share some tamale recipes that will be very useful for preparing at home and sharing with family. (It is important to click on the recipe title to see more preparation details) Tamales for Candelaria. This tamale recipe is excellent if you were chosen to bring tamales for Candelaria Day. You can prepare it with the filling of your choice. In this recipe, they are made with poblano chiles, corn, and fresh cheese. Coconut and Pineapple Tamales. I love this recipe for apple and cinnamon tamales because it takes you away from the typical sweet tamales and they are delicious. Red Fruit Tamales. This recipe is delicious because they are not only sweet but also packed with flavor from the red fruits they have as filling. Spinach Tamales. Delicious spinach tamales with strips and cheese. Green Tamales. A delicious recipe for green tamales, ideal for Candelaria Day. Sweet Tamales. Recipe for sweet tamales with raisins made at home. Poblano Chile, Cheese and Corn Tamales. This is a delicious recipe for poblano chili tamales with Oaxaca cheese and sweet corn. It is a great option for eating tamales on Candelaria. Bean Tamales with Goat Cheese. If you want to try a delicious combination, don't miss making some rich bean tamales with goat cheese; you will see they have great flavor. Chocolate Tamales. A tasty recipe for chocolate tamales for you to enjoy with your family.  

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