Candelaria day 2026: history, tamales & destinations
Candelaria Day 2026: History, Tamales, and Towns with the Most Tradition
Candelaria Day (Candlemas) is one of the most important celebrations in our country, and it is the perfect excuse to gather to celebrate and taste exquisite tamales with our loved ones.
Here we tell you everything you need to know about this tradition.
When is Candelaria Day and What is its History?
This day is celebrated on February 2nd, exactly 40 days after Christmas, marking the date when the Virgin Mary took the baby Jesus to the temple for the first time.
In ancient times, according to Jewish tradition, 40 days after giving birth, women had to "purify" themselves by taking the newborn to the temple.
Candelaria Day then emerged as a Judeo-Christian festivity of European origin to honor this event. Originally, during the celebration, candles or "candelas" were lit, which led to the name that remains to this day.
The history of the Candelaria Day festivity in Mexico is a combination of indigenous and Hispanic traditions: it began to be celebrated after the arrival of the first Spaniards, who tried to instill this tradition in the native peoples.
Curiously, February 2nd coincided with the start of the planting season, a time when the Aztecs made corn offerings to their gods asking for rain for a good harvest.
This coincidence gave rise to the historic and delicious custom of eating tamales on Candelaria Day.
Where to Buy the Best Tamales for Candelaria Day?
Whether at home or in tamale shops (tamalerías), this exquisite dish cannot be missing from every Candelaria Day celebration.
Therefore, below we share a ranking of the best tamalerías in the country to fully experience February 2nd:
Lonchería Doña Mary - Av. 30 calle 28, Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen
If you want to celebrate with tamales filled with exquisite Zacatecan stews, Lonchería Doña Mary is for you.
Enjoy their gigantic portions near the sea and live a unique experience.
Siembra Comedor - Ejército Nacional 314, Polanco, CDMX
A classic of CDMX. Find your favorite flavors like huitlacoche or take the opportunity to taste exquisite sweet tamales made of cacao or fig.
Tamales Linares - Areca 501, Paseo de las Palmas, Monterrey
Linares is one of the most popular tamale shops in Monterrey.
Among their recipes, you can find classic flavors such as tamales with chicken, beans, nuts, and much more.
Doña Emi - Jalapa corner Tlaxcala, Roma Sur, CDMX
Also in CDMX, but in Roma Sur, is the legendary Doña Emi tamale shop.
There you can buy tamales with traditional flavors, such as mole, or be surprised with special fillings like beans with cheese and grasshoppers (chapulines).
La Teca - Violetas 200-A, Colonia Reforma, Oaxaca
The corn tamales from La Teca restaurant are a must when celebrating Candelaria Day in Oaxacan lands.
Where to Travel to Celebrate Candelaria Day?
The best way to enjoy a different Candelaria Day is by traveling!
That is why, from Hertz Mexico, we give you a guide to some of the places where this date is lived with the most tradition and which you can easily reach by road:
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz
In Tlacotalpan, a small town southeast of Veracruz, Candelaria Day is a true party.
Every February 2nd, its inhabitants dress up to accompany the procession of the image of the Virgin of Candelaria from her sanctuary—an incredible architectural beauty—to the Papaloapan River.
This joyful ceremony is accompanied by local musicians, children dressed in typical regional costumes, and delicious Veracruz tamales.
In addition, you will see surprising fireworks displays.
Pueblo de la Candelaria, Coyoacán, CDMX
Another unmissable destination to experience this festivity like never before is Pueblo de la Candelaria.
As its name implies, this town in the south of CDMX has a great devotion to the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the place.
Here the celebration on February 2nd is full of colors, music, and gastronomy: exquisite tamales made collectively are offered, and the streets are covered with floral arrangements to receive the pilgrimage of the Virgin.
Huaniqueo, Michoacán
Welcoming this celebration in Huaniqueo is an unforgettable experience. This small municipality in northern Michoacán offers all kinds of activities to celebrate Candelaria Day.
You can attend popular dances, rodeos (jaripeos), or even horse races. You will also see the procession of the Virgin and the blessing of the children.
In their traditional fairs, you will find local crafts and delicious tamales to taste with atole.
If you want to experience February 2nd in any of these beautiful towns full of tradition and joy but do not have your own vehicle, do not worry.
You can rent a car at one of the 190 Hertz Mexico offices and explore these unique places with the freedom of having no schedules.
Driving allows you to enjoy the landscapes of each region at your own pace and enjoy the celebrations without rushing.
Dare to celebrate Candelaria Day 2026 traveling with Hertz Mexico.