HOUSTON – As the holidays approach, Chef Espinoza and his family gear up for their cherished tradition: the annual Tamalada.
This gathering, steeped in family history, has been passed down through generations, bringing loved ones together to celebrate the season with food, laughter, and memories.
KPRC 2′s photojournalist Oscar Chavez and logistics coordinator Julio Chavez were invited to witness this heartwarming tradition firsthand. Chef Espinoza and his family welcomed them into their kitchen, sharing not only their tamale-making process but also the deep-rooted history behind it.
The Tamalada, a festive event where family and friends come together to prepare tamales, is a labor of love that starts with carefully selected ingredients and ends with steaming pots of savory and sweet delights.
“This is more than just food for us,” Chef Espinoza shared. “It’s about honoring our ancestors, preserving our culture, and creating bonds that last a lifetime.”
As the smell of masa and spices filled the air, Espinoza’s family shared stories of past holidays, each tamal holding a piece of their heritage. From the youngest family members learning to spread masa to the elders perfecting the filling, every step was infused with joy and tradition.
The Espinoza family’s Tamalada is a beautiful reminder of how food can connect us to our roots and to one another. For them, tamales are more than a holiday staple; they’re a symbol of love, unity, and the enduring power of tradition.