In France, Candlemas is celebrated as La Chandeleur, known as “Crêpe Day,” a pagan tradition that curiously coincides with the Mexican custom of celebrating the abundance of tamales on the same day. Tamales, a quintessential pre-Hispanic dish from Mesoamerican Mexico, are traditionally prepared to mark the misfortune (once considered good luck) of finding the baby Jesus figurine in the Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake) on January 6.
The festivity is closely linked to Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day, represented by the cutting of the King’s Cake—a custom that dates back to the 2nd century.
Initially, whoever found a bean hidden in the cake would be blessed with good luck for the year. Today, however, finding the baby figurine means an obligation: hosting a tamale feast.
To honor this tradition, the employees from CCC Naco Nogales held a tamale-making workshop on February 4, where participants had the chance to learn and actively take part in preparing this traditional dish.
During the workshop, María del Consuelo Sánchez Ortega and Diana Lizeth Cuevas Soqui, fourth-year students from CBTIS 10, gave an insightful talk on the history and meaning of Candlemas, enriching participants’ understanding of the celebration. The event also featured storytelling and live music, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. After the workshop, attendees enjoyed the tamales they had prepared together, sharing a joyful moment of community and celebration.
