Rockford Sun

Tamales, a traditional Mexican delicacy, have been a part of Mexican culture for centuries. Eaten on special occasions and holidays, tamales hold a sacred significance for many. This tradition has also found its way into the hearts and homes of many Illinois families, particularly during the Christmas season.

In Illinois, the tradition of eating tamales during Christmas has become deeply ingrained in the local culture, especially in the Chicagoland area. Mexican families in Chicago and beyond come together to celebrate the holiday season with tamales. Not only do families participate in this tradition, but several restaurants also serve thousands of tamales to customers during this festive time.

Aracely's Bakery in Franklin Park, a local institution that has been in business for over 40 years, experiences a surge in tamale sales during the holidays. Last year alone, Aracely's sold nearly 12,000 tamales, showcasing the popularity and demand for this Christmas treat.

Other restaurants in Illinois, such as Cecy’s Molino de Masa, Las Posadas, El Dia de los Reyes, and Three Kings Day, have also become synonymous with tamale traditions. These establishments, along with many others like El Sabor Poblano, Tamales Lo Mejor De Guerrero, and The Authentic Tamale Guy, are known for their delicious tamales that bring joy to customers throughout the year.

The preparation of tamales has transformed into a social event, bringing families together as they assemble their holiday feasts. Tamales, made from masa (maize dough) and filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, or vegetables, are wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed to perfection. These delectable treats can be refrigerated for up to three days, allowing families to savor the flavors of Christmas for an extended period.

For Mexican American families, tamales hold a deeper significance as they connect them to their ancestral roots. In Aurora, for example, a grandmother and her female grandchildren gather every year before Christmas to make tamales, ensuring that the family's traditional holiday meal continues to be passed down through the generations. This scene of intergenerational collaboration is a common sight, as younger and older family members work side by side, preserving the rich traditions that have been cherished for centuries.

In Elgin and the Fox Valley, a woman embraced the tamale-making tradition after marrying into a large Mexican family. Tamales have now become an integral part of the family's Christmas celebration, shared with children and grandchildren. With an assembly line approach, each family member has a specific task, be it preparing the masa, filling the tamales, or folding them. However, the most crucial ingredient in this process is love.

Illinois representatives, such as Rep. Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont), Rep. Randy Frese (R-Paloma), and Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford), recognize the importance of tamales in Mexican American culture and the significance of this tradition during the holiday season. They emphasize the pride that Mexican Americans take in their rich heritage and the role tamales play in bringing families together and carrying on legacies from centuries ago.

As Rep. Randy Frese puts it, "Tamales are delicious and fun to make, and gathering family members from around the country to do it at Christmas time is very special." Additionally, Rep. Joe Sosnowski highlights the contribution of small businesses and families in keeping this tradition alive, stating, "Nothing beats the taste and quality of food from our family-owned establishments!"

In Illinois, the tradition of making and enjoying tamales during Christmas has become a cherished custom that not only connects Mexican American families to their cultural roots but also brings communities together in celebration. Whether made at home or enjoyed at local restaurants, tamales continue to be a beloved symbol of Christmas in Illinois, uniting generations and spreading joy through every delicious bite.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://joesosnowski.org/2023/12/21/tamale-making-a-christmas-time-tradition-for-many-illinois-families/