XLNT Foods National Tamale Day 5 fun facts about tamales you didnt know

Who doesn’t like a plate full of tamales? Tamale dishes have been part of Mesoamerican food for thousands of years. Their popularity has led people all over the world to discover the joys of indigenous cuisine and put their own spins on the delicious tamale, even on holidays. They've also set a few tamale world records.

1. AA High School Made 17,106 Tamales in 12 Hours

Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio, Texas, holds the Guinness World Record for the most of this food made in 12 hours at a whopping 17,106, with a total weight of 2,420.9 pounds.

The school set the record on Dec. 7, 2011. About 1,100 students and 200 volunteers in the neighborhood cooked up a storm for the event.

2. More Than 154,000 People Attended the Largest Tamale Festival in 2002

Indio, California, was the site of the largest tamale festival ever in December 2002 when more than 154,000 folks showed their respects to the mighty tamale. The annual Indio International Tamale Festival draws plenty of people each year, but so far attendance numbers have not quite reached the milestone achieved in 2002.

3. The World Record for Most Eaten in 10 Minutes Is 95

In September 2019, Geoffrey Esper consumed 95 tamales in 10 minutes. He accomplished this record at the World Tamale Eating Championship in Lewisville, Texas. Each tamale weighed about 2.5 ounces and was shucked in advance. Other fun facts about this eating competition:

The 2005 event ended in a tie, the only time that has happened.
In 2005, the first year the eating contest was held, competitors had to remove the tamale corn husks themselves. The winner that year ate 36 tamales. It's no wonder there's a bit of a disparity between this number and the numbers in subsequent years.
The 2007 victor managed to win despite losing his front teeth a week earlier.

4. The Longest Tamale Ever Made Measured Over 164 Feet Long

Ayuntamiento de Centro Villahermosa in Tabasco, Mexico, made the longest tamale and achieved a Guinness World Record. The community accomplished this on Nov. 25, 2018, with the tamale measuring 50.05 meters (164 feet and 2 inches) long. That’s a lot of delicious tamale to sink your teeth into!

Eighty people from culinary universities teamed up to make this record meal, using 1,000 banana leaves, 150 kilograms (about 330 pounds) of meat, and 350 kg (about 771 pounds) of corn dough.

5. National Tamale Day Is March 23

This holiday, while unofficial, is cause for celebration. Founder Richard Lambert calls the tamale the original comfort food, noting it has been around for more than 7,000 years.

Shop for Tamales Today

Are you craving tamales now? We don’t blame you. Check out the selection at XLNT Foods today. We offer beef and chicken varieties as well as chili con carne delivered to your doorstep. They’re easily microwaveable and conveniently do not come in corn husks. You can prepare the dishes on the stovetop or in the oven, too.

5 Fun Facts About Tamales You Didn’t Know