Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
The ¡HICA! Tamale Sale is happening Nov. 24-Dec.10—order yours now
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Your new favorite local tradition is back this Friday, November 24. The Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!), is hosting its 20th annual Tamale Sale and the team is eager to share delicious, locally-made tamales with Birmingham and beyond.
Keep reading for info on ¡HICA!, how you can get your tamales, and a few words from the “Tamale Queen.”
Support a local tradition—buy your ¡HICA! tamales now
In Latino cultures, the ritual of preparing and sharing tamales at Christmas goes back for centuries. Since 2003, ¡HICA! has been striving to bring that tradition—one filled with stories, fellowship and love—to the people of Birmingham with the Tamale Sale.
The sale not only brings the local Latino community together for the making of the tamales, but it also serves as a fundraiser to support ¡HICA!’s mission of empowering Latinos throughout the state (more than 3,500 Latinos and immigrant families)!
This year’s Tamale Sale starts on Friday, November 24 and the last day to order is Sunday, December 10 at 11:59PM.
Support this 20-year-old fundraiser + enjoy delicious tamales at the same time. Place your online order on November 24.
¡HICA! acts as a catalyst for the Latino community
Founded in Birmingham in 1999, ¡HICA! has been a major catalyst for the empowerment and economic progress of the Latino community for over 20 years.
How do they do it? ¡HICA! believes that immigrant integration is a two-way street, which means that as their leadership empowers newcomers to our area, we can better welcome these families because of the education ¡HICA! provides.
The “Tamale Queen” has supported the tradition since 2004
Teresa Zúñiga Odom, also known as Southern Señora on social media, has supported this Tamale Sale since its second year in 2004.
“That was my first year on the ¡HICA! Board of Directors, and I was excited that there was an interest in Mexican tradition. I served on the Board of Directors for 13 years and watched this Tamale Sale grow considerably each and every year.”
Teresa Zúñiga Odom
Known as the Tamale Queen within ¡HICA!, Teresa told us why she still supports this mission after all these years.
“Participating in the Tamale Sale is always a highlight of my year because of my own family traditions and how much it means to our community to share this tradition.
If you ask any family that makes their own tamales over the Christmas season, you will find that it’s a community event where everyone participates and shares in the results. For supporters of ¡HICA!, they get the same sense of community each year when they purchase their tamales.”
Teresa Zúñiga Odom
To help set the Tamale Sale up for success, ¡HICA! has Tamale Captains who promote the sale at their personal offices, schools or churches. It comes as no surprise that Teresa is one of the 2023 Tamale Captains.
“I love the part where I get to personally deliver the tamales to folks, thank them for their support and take the time to ask them to share their ‘tamale story’ with me.”
Teresa Zúñiga Odom
Get your ¡HICA! tamales + become part of the tradition Teresa loves so much.
What can I get at the tamale sale?
If you’re looking for savory, mouth-watering tamales this holiday season, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s what your options are for the 2023 Tamale Sale.
Fillings:
- Chicken
- Pepper + cheese
- Pork
- Vegan
Starting at $25, you can get the whole family their tamale fix, or keep them all to yourself… no judgment here.
Product options:
- Half dozen tamales: $25
- One dozen tamales: $45
- One dozen tamales, tortilla chips, a jar of salsa + a drink: $60
Plus—¡HICA! is launching their new Mi Hogar blend of Guatemalan coffee during this year’s Tamale Sale. This brew unveils a blend of flavors with hints of cocoa, caramel and nutty undertones.
All proceeds of the sale will benefit ¡HICA!’s mission.
“We are incredibly excited about this new product, and the fact that it is coming from Central America is just the cherry on top. There is nothing better than eating tamales with a great cup of coffee.”
Silvia Espinosa Laxon, Development and Communications Director, ¡HICA!
Pick up your tamales December 13-14
These tamales come highly recommended by everyone who orders them, especially from us at Bham Now. So, don’t wait any longer to support ¡HICA!’s beautiful mission, and pick up your new favorite holiday dish.
- When: December 13-14, 8AM-6PM
- Where: 117 Southcrest Drive. Birmingham, AL 35209
The ¡HICA! Tamale Sale celebrates the tamale-making that brings generations of family and friends together. Teresa wrapped up the goal of this sale:
“This support helps our Latino community continue to integrate into our community at large so they can begin and continue working side by side with us all. We are a better community when we are a diverse community.”
Teresa Zúñiga Odom
Online orders for the 2023 ¡HICA! Tamale Sale open on Friday, November 24. Keep up with other local events + ways to support ¡HICA! at their Facebook + Instagram.
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