I had the pleasure of interacting with Ricardo, a recent grad from USF. I conducted a workshop focused on Food Trends for the Anthropology of Food Program. Ricardo’s story of  Abuelita’s Tamales is one that is so powerful and relatable, and goes far beyond Mexican descent. Here’s to celebrating your heritage, your beliefs and your future – there’s no better way to do this than through Abuelita’s Tamales!

I didn’t fully grasp the sheer courage of my parents until quite recently. Growing up as a first generation son of Mexican immigrants in the United States, I recognise that my parents really took a leap of faith on a dangerous journey. They left everything they had and everyone they knew – their whole family – in the hope of giving me a bright future; one with more opportunities than their small rural farming village back home had to offer. As I got older, I learned that assimilation often comes with immigration; and it’s been my goal to hold onto the experiences and memories I have with my culture – especially as they relate to food. When I think about this, my abuelita’s tamales stand out.

Looking Back

Once my parents became residents of the U.S., we would travel back to Mexico every December for the holidays to be with family. It was the one time of the year that we would all be together again and it felt special. As tradition goes, everyone makes tamales for Christmas Eve dinner. I have distinct memories as a kid helping my abuelita make them. It is a day-long process that requires everybody in the family to help. First my abuelita prepares the maize, and someone else begins soaking the corn husk which will wrap the tamales. Others make the fillings: there are a variety of options to choose from like queso con rajas, tamales verdes, tamales rojos, and sweet tamales (tamales de dulce).

My favourite part (of course) was getting to eat them. But grown-up me has learned to appreciate tamales more for what they symbolise to me. Being first generation Mexican-American means having to navigate between two cultures and finding ways to honour where my family comes from. Tamales represent the one time of the year my family is reunited again. Where we are sitting around a table storytelling, sharing memories and creating new ones. The action of making the tamales is a ritual that connects me to my ancestors. And my abuelita passed on this intergenerational knowledge to me. Tamales have always and will continue to represent la familia. Only being able to visit for a few weeks out of the year means my abuelita’s tamales are something I look forward to all year long.

mother and son holding bowl of tamales

Ricardo and Mom recreating Abuelita’s Tamales

Looking Ahead

2,000 miles and a contentious border seeks to separate us even further. But I will always be connected to my abuelita no matter how far away. I have her tamale recipe. And I hold it close in my heart, just as I do my abuelita. I hope to continue the tradition and teach my younger family and friends this spirit of tamales.

Written by Ricardo Carrillo and edited by  Jashan Sippy.

‘Food, the Feeling of Home’: A series of stories exploring nostalgia, the power of food, our memories and stories of ‘home’.

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