Celebrate the Holidays with Tamales

In San Antonio, the holiday season wouldn’t be the same without sharing and eating tamales.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tamalera, join AARP for its second annual Gran Tamalada (Great Tamales-Making Party) on Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 723 S. Brazos St.

The event is cooking class, history lesson and cultural celebration rolled into one. Similarly, the tamales have several ingredients rolled up into one flavorful concoction.

A tamalada is a fun group activity, with different people mixing the masa (dough), making the filling (shredded meat and seasonings), preparing the hojas (corn husks) and steaming the tamales.

Everyone enjoys the camaraderie. There may be storytelling about tamaladas of yore and sharing of recipes passed down through generations. Best of all, participants can savor the tamales they make.

All ingredients are provided at the workshop. The free event is family-friendly and open to all ages, but registration is required. To register, go to bit.ly/SAtamale or call 877-926-8300 toll-free.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center also hosts other classes and events. For details, go to guadalupeculturalarts.org or call 210-271-3151. —Tracy Sutton Schorn