Culture Through Cuisine: Mexican Tamales and Holiday Traditions

This event is SOLD OUT.

A traditional dish found across Latin America, tamales have origins that date back to the Aztecs and Mayas. Today, the largest varieties of tamales are found in Mexico, with flavors varying by region. But no matter how they are made or what they are filled with, tamales symbolize more than just a meal. Passed down through generations, the art of making tamales reflects the value of family, nourishment, and collectiveness. And although they are made all year long, tamales have come to embody the holiday spirit of “togetherness.”

Join us for a special Culture Through Cuisine at El Burrito Minneapolis as we explore the long-cherished tradition of Mexican tamales, specifically those made for the holidays. The evening will feature a tamal-making demo by Milissa Silva-Diaz, owner and CEO of El Burrito Mercado, and a three-course dinner including chicken tamales with green tomatillo sauce (tamales oaxaqueños), pork tamales in red sauce, vegetarian tamales with poblano chile and cheese (rajas con queso), and sweet dessert tamales (tamales dulces). We’ll also hear from Consul of Mexico Gerardo Guerrero, on Mexican holiday traditions.

Registration includes dinner, traditional holiday punch (ponche), tax, and gratuity. A cash bar will be available. Advance registration required.

About Consul Guerrero

The fourth Consul of Mexico in St. Paul, Gerardo Guerrero has worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1987 and joined the Diplomatic Corps in 1997. Consul Guerrero served as an attorney in several legal offices within the Ministry, as well as at the Consulate in New York. Most recently, he served as Deputy Legal Advisor in charge of the negotiation and final approval of all international treaties and agreements signed by Mexico. He also participated in international negotiations in the Atomic Energy International Organization, in the World Intellectual Property Organization, and in the International Civil Aviation Organization. Consul Guerrero studied law at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, received a master’s degree from The Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, and a Master of Law from the University of Houston. He has taught at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, at the Universidad Iberoamericana, and at the Escuela Libre de Derecho in México City.

About Milissa Silva-Diaz

Mexican-American Milissa Silva-Diaz is a passionate diversity advocate with a vision to unite teams through culture, food, and music. The eldest daughter of immigrant, entrepreneur parents, she is most known for her innovative leadership at El Burrito Mercado, the Mexican and Latino marketplace and restaurant in St. Paul. In her current role with the family business, Milissa is affectionately known as “La Jefa” or the boss. She functions as a Partner Owner with her sister Suzanne, and niece Analita, and is CEO for El Burrito Market, Inc., and President of El Burrito Mercado Products, Inc. Most recently, the Silvas expanded into South Minneapolis opening El Burrito Restaurant y Cantina. Before taking on her role as legacy-partner owner and CEO of El Burrito Mercado, Milissa worked in the private label food industry, Latino promotion entertainment, and for companies such as Target, SUPERVALU, and General Mills. In addition, Milissa currently serves on the board for Casa de Esperanza and was recognized as the 2009 recipient of Minnesota’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 25 on the Rise.

Presented in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Saint Paul.