San Antonio, December 24, 2025
As Christmas approaches, San Antonio residents are forming long lines at local tamale shops to purchase their holiday favorites. Popular spots like Tellez Tamales and Ruben’s Homemade Tamales are bustling with customers eager to buy traditional flavors. This tamale tradition highlights the community’s commitment to cultural practices, as families often gather to prepare these delicious dishes together, fostering a festive and communal atmosphere in the city. Various events like Tamales! At Pearl also celebrate this cherished culinary heritage.
San Antonio Residents Embrace Tamale Tradition Ahead of Christmas
With holiday cheer in the air, locals flock to try traditional tamales
San Antonio, Texas – As Christmas approaches, hundreds of residents are queuing up at local tamale shops to secure their holiday favorites. On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, early morning lines formed at Tellez Tamales and Ruben’s Homemade Tamales, two beloved establishments in the city.
Early Morning Lines at Tellez Tamales
At Tellez Tamales’ General McMullen location, customers began arriving around 5 a.m. to purchase traditional tamales. The shop, founded in 1975 by Luis and Manuela Tellez, is renowned for its family-secret recipes and dedicated staff. One customer mentioned buying jalapeño and barbacoa tamales to last through Christmas. The shop plans to close after Tuesday through Christmas. Brenda Tellez, co-owner and daughter of the founders, noted the dedication of customers who arrive as early as 10:30 p.m. the previous night to wait in line.
Ruben’s Homemade Tamales Draws Large Crowd
Meanwhile, Ruben’s Homemade Tamales on the East Side attracted approximately 100 people by 9 a.m. on the same day. The shop, a San Antonio institution for over 70 years, is known for its traditional pork tamales. Ruben’s will open at 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve to accommodate the holiday demand.
Tamale Tradition in San Antonio
Tamales hold a special place in San Antonio’s holiday traditions. Families often gather to make tamales by hand, a practice that fosters community and celebrates cultural heritage. The city’s rich culinary scene offers a variety of tamale options, from traditional pork to innovative flavors, reflecting the diverse tastes of its residents.
Other Notable Tamale Events
Beyond individual shops, San Antonio hosts events that celebrate this cherished dish. The annual Tamales! At Pearl event features numerous local vendors offering a wide array of tamales, providing a festive atmosphere for both residents and visitors. Additionally, the Tamale Throwdown, held at Alamo Beer Co., showcases the city’s culinary talent and love for tamales.
Conclusion
The long lines at Tellez Tamales and Ruben’s Homemade Tamales underscore the deep-rooted tradition of tamale consumption in San Antonio during the Christmas season. These gatherings not only highlight the city’s culinary preferences but also the community’s commitment to preserving cultural practices that bring people together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time did customers start lining up at Tellez Tamales on December 23, 2025?
Customers began arriving around 5 a.m. at Tellez Tamales’ General McMullen location on December 23, 2025.
How long has Ruben’s Homemade Tamales been serving the San Antonio community?
Ruben’s Homemade Tamales has been a San Antonio institution for over 70 years, known for its traditional pork tamales.
What is the Tamales! At Pearl event?
Tamales! At Pearl is an annual event in San Antonio featuring numerous local vendors offering a wide array of tamales, providing a festive atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
What is the Tamale Throwdown?
The Tamale Throwdown is an event held at Alamo Beer Co. in San Antonio, showcasing the city’s culinary talent and love for tamales.
Why are tamales significant in San Antonio’s holiday traditions?
Tamales hold a special place in San Antonio’s holiday traditions, with families often gathering to make them by hand, fostering community and celebrating cultural heritage.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Tamale Tradition
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Early Morning Lines | Customers arrive as early as 5 a.m. to purchase tamales from popular shops like Tellez Tamales and Ruben’s Homemade Tamales. |
| Long-standing Establishments | Shops such as Tellez Tamales (since 1975) and Ruben’s Homemade Tamales (over 70 years) are integral to the community’s culinary landscape. |
| Community Events | Annual events like Tamales! At Pearl and the Tamale Throwdown celebrate the city’s love for tamales and its rich culinary heritage. |
| Family Traditions | Making tamales by hand is a cherished holiday practice, bringing families together and honoring cultural traditions. |
| Variety of Flavors | San Antonio’s tamale scene offers a diverse range of flavors, from traditional pork to innovative options, catering to a wide array of tastes. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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