In Mexico, the taco is more than just a quick meal, it is a cultural pillar, a historical record, and a source of national pride. Every year on 31st March, Mexico celebrates Día del Taco, a day dedicated to honouring the infinite varieties of this beloved handheld masterpiece.
The Origins of the Holiday
Unlike many ancient Mexican traditions, Day of the Taco is a relatively modern addition to the calendar. It was established in 2007 when the Mexican television network Televisa launched a massive campaign to give the taco its own official day.
The campaign included a star-studded “Taco Fest” at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and an anthem dedicated to the dish. While it started as a marketing initiative, the Mexican public embraced it wholeheartedly. After all, if anything deserves a national day of recognition, it’s the taco.
The Anatomy of a Classic
At its core, a taco is simple: a tortilla (usually corn, sometimes flour) and a filling. However, the beauty of the taco lies in its diversity. Depending on where you are in Mexico, the “correct” way to celebrate changes:
- Tacos al Pastor: Perhaps the most famous, influenced by Lebanese immigrants. Pork is marinated in dried chilies and spices, cooked on a vertical spit (trompo), and topped with a slice of pineapple.
- Tacos de Canasta: “Basket tacos” that are steamed and usually filled with beans, potato, or chicharrón. These are the ultimate street food, often sold from the back of bicycles.
- Tacos de Pescado: Born in Baja California, these feature crispy fried fish, cabbage, and creamy sauces.
- Tacos de Barbacoa: Traditionally slow-cooked in a pit covered with agave leaves, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
More Than Just Food
The taco represents the “Mestizaje” (mixing) of cultures in Mexico. The corn tortilla is a legacy of the indigenous civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans, while the meats (beef, pork, lamb) and onions were introduced by the Spanish.
Beyond history, the taco is a social equalizer. In Mexico, you will see business executives in expensive suits standing shoulder-to-shoulder with construction workers at a street-side puesto (stall), both enjoying the same 15-peso taco. As the popular Mexican saying goes: “Un taco no se le niega a nadie” (A taco is denied to no one).
How to Celebrate Like a Local
If you find yourself in Mexico on 31st March, the celebration is straightforward:
- Visit your local Taquería: Many shops offer “2×1” deals or special limited-edition fillings for the day.
- Respect the Salsa: A taco is only as good as its salsa. Whether it’s a spicy salsa roja or a tangy salsa verde, the heat is part of the experience.
- The “Taco Pose”: To eat a taco like a pro, tilt your head at a 45-degree angle, keep your pinky finger slightly raised for balance, and dive in.
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