2022 is here! And what better way to celebrate than to treat yourself to some of the world’s most amazing food? Whether you already know and love Mexican food or you want to learn more about it, this delicious calendar will introduce you to some amazing dishes you probably haven’t tasted before.
January 6, Dia de Reyes: Rosca de Reyes and Hot Chocolate
“Reyes Magos” or “Magician Kings” is the name given in Spanish to the three magi who visited Jesus after its birth. The Reyes Magos are celebrated on January 6th, a date that for some Mexicans is as important as Christmas. Children receive toys and, of course, families gather together to enjoy Rosca de Reyes (ring-shaped sweet bread with caramelized fruit) and hot chocolate.
Each Rosca de Reyes has one or more small dolls symbolizing Jesus as a baby. If your slice or Rosca happens to have a doll, then you have to make the tamales for Dia de la Candelaria (see below).
February 2: Dia de la Candelaria: Tamales
You see, one of the cool things about being Mexican or living in Mexico is that the holiday season extends well into the new year. As explained above, those who got a slice of Rosca de Reyes with a little doll inside are supposed to make tamales for Dia de la Candelaria, a holiday that commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. Some of the most popular types of tamales consumed throughout Mexico include:
- Corn tamales
- Red salsa or green salsa tamales
- Chicken tamales
- Sweet tamales (vanilla or strawberry)
Holy Week, April
The week after Lent is known as Holy Week, or Semana Santa. This is an important religious observance in Mexico and, like many important dates, it’s commemorated with special dishes.
- Capirotada (bread pudding)
- Fish tacos or fish dishes in general
- Romeritos (boiled seepweed sprigs)
- Cocktail de camarones (shrimp cocktail)
May 3, Day of the Holy Cross
Mexico celebrates its construction workers (albaniles) on May 3, the day of the Santa Cruz (Holy Cross). As in other countries, construction workers are known in Mexico for their ingenuity and great taste when it comes to food, so the day of the Santa Cruz is a great excuse to enjoy hearty dishes like:
- Grilled chicken
- Tacos (chicken, al pastor, asada, and more)
- Burritos
- Tortas
- Carnitas
- Birria
September 15 and November 20: Independence and Revolution Day
Mexicans commemorate their Independence and Revolution with enthusiasm. In those days, Mexican cities display green, white, and red ornaments everywhere. At school, children are asked to come dressed in typical dresses that instill pride in their roots and their past. Needless to say, during these two important dates, any dish that combines the colors of the Mexican flag becomes a star.
- Chiles en nogada
- Aguas frescas of lime, horchata and jamaica
- Tacos (It doesn’t get more Mexican than tacos!)
November 2, Dia de Muertos
In a couple of previous blog posts, we talked about all the delicious food you get to eat during Dia de Muertos and Christmas in Mexico. Once you hit November 2, you know that the holidays are around the corner and the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon is about to begin.
And no, we’re not talking about a track and field event. The term “Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon” is a fun way to refer to the string of festivities that begin on December 12, Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and end the next year on Dia de Reyes (January 6, see above).
El Pollo Norteno: Authentic Mexican Food
Looking for the best Mexican food? Contact El Pollo Norteno today!
Visit any of our four locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our authentic Mexican dishes: amazing chicken grilled to perfection over real Mesquite charcoal, caldo de pollo, flan, carnitas, carne asada, and more!