From Queens to Mexico City, and pretty much nothing in between.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Día de la Candelaria

rosca de reyesWhat started on January 6th with the sharing of the rosca de reyes ends today, February 2nd, with the Día de la Candelaria (which is evidently called Candlemas in English) and the sharing of tamales. When I asked one of my students what the celebration was about after one of his co-workers peeked his head in with the announcement of tamales, his response was simple: I know today is the Candelaria and we eat tamales. And, really, what else do you need to know?

tamalesAs far as religion goes, the Candelaria celebrates the day that Jesus was presented at the temple, but the culinary tradition here in Mexico obviously overshadows the religious meaning behind it. The Mexican tradition begins on January 6th, when the rosca de reyes is split amongst family and friends. Whoever finds the doll in their piece of the rosca is supposed to cater the party on February 2nd (although others usually chip in and help). Tamales are eaten any day of the year, but are generally enjoyed on special occasions and are definitely required for the Candelaria celebration. 
atole 
Whatever type of tamale is served (they're all good), atole is served as the accompanying beverage for this authentic Mexican Día de la Candelaria


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