The longest-running tamal festival is returning to the Alamo City with two days of comida, cultura, and familia on Sat. Dec. 11 through Sun. Dec. 12 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

🫔 What is La Gran Tamalada?

In 2008, Dr. Ellen Clark founded La Grand Tamalada. She’s also the co-author of "Tamales, Comadres, and the meaning of Civilization".
The event was originally hosted at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center but grew so large that it had to be moved to Historic Market Square.

🫔 Here’s what you can expect at this year’s event.

A holiday market curated by SA Local Market.
Free kids activities by San Antonio Public Library.
Pancho Claus will make an appearance for holiday photo ops.
The weather will transform to snow provided by Centro San Antonio.
Abuelita Hot Chocolate booth, tamal + buñuelo vendors.
Storybook reading sessions of "Camilla La Magica Makes Tamales".
Live music featuring mariachis, tejano bands + more.

🫔 There will also be a ton of freebies for San Antonians to snag.

250 mugs with hot chocolate will be given away at the Abuelita booth.
250 samples of packaged Abuelita will be given away to take home + recipe booklets with Abuelita recipes.
From 10-11:30 a.m. Market Square will be giving away a copy of “Camilla La Magica” + a goodie bag to the first 50 kids.
Tamaladas are gatherings where the main goal is simple: Make tamales. | Photo via @chefcarinocortez

🫔 La Gran Tamalada will continue virtual programming.

Tamalada kits will be available to purchase to learn how to make your own tamales at home.
There will also be a virtual Tamal Institute workshop featuring Dr. Ellen Clark who will discuss ingredients, recipes and cooking methods that go into making tamales.

You can find more information about the event here. Have a holiday tradition you’d like to share with us? Make sure to tag us on Instagram or use the hashtag #SATXtoday.