National Tamale Day

Celebrated on 03/23/2026

Quick Fact

Tamales date back over 8,000 years to the Aztecs and Mayans, who made them as portable meals for warriors and travelers. National Tamale Day was created in 2016 by the Old El Paso brand to honor this beloved dish, though tamales have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for millennia.

Origins and Establishment of National Tamale Day

National Tamale Day was founded in 2016 by Old El Paso, a brand known for Mexican-inspired foods. The company aimed to celebrate the cultural significance and widespread popularity of tamales in the United States and beyond. The date, March 23, was chosen to mark the beginning of spring and the start of tamale-making season for many families.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially promoted through social media campaigns and partnerships with food bloggers, National Tamale Day has grown into a grassroots celebration. Today, it is observed by tamale enthusiasts across the U.S. with home cooking, tamale-making parties, and specials at Mexican restaurants. The holiday has also become a platform for discussing the cultural heritage of tamales, with many using the day to share family recipes and traditions.

Facts & General Observations

• The world's largest tamale was made in 2014 in Mexico City, weighing over 1,000 pounds and measuring 50 feet long.
• Tamales are a traditional dish in many Latin American countries, with variations like humitas (Andean region) and pamonha (Brazil).
• In the U.S., tamales are especially popular in the Southwest, where annual festivals like the Tamale Festival in Indio, California, attract thousands of visitors.

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