Saying Gracias The Latinx Way: Sobremesa, Postres, and Tamales

Being grateful (aka "saying gracias") is an action that goes beyond one weekend. It is something that transcends festivities and teaches people not only to embrace the moment but to cherish what they have in that same moment. 

Many cultures have rites to express gratitude towards life, their loved ones, and nature, too. In Latin America, it includes having fun, sharing anecdotes and memories, and preparing their favorite recipes to share among their favorite people. 

Although in the region there is actually not a celebration like Thanksgiving, their gatherings and some festivities do include saying thanks for the year that has passed, sharing an anecdote, and cheering over it while raising their glasses. Some of their traditions and ways of celebrating each other are beautiful mementos to take into consideration when setting the table at home for this turkey-sharing American experience. 

3 Ways Of Saying Gracias In The Latinx Way

Latin America is a vast region with a lot of different cultures, histories, and backgrounds. From their diverse geography to their various recipes, this region has built throughout the continent a way of saying thanks, sharing special moments, and building memories despite Thanksgiving not being part of their national celebrations. 

On this occasion, we want to share some Latinx traditions and recipes that are crucial for any celebration and the perfect excuse to gather loved ones together and forget about time. 

Sobremesa: Where Time Stands Still

Sobremesa has no translation that can accurately describe what it means. Its literal translation is “over the table,” but no, it is not what the word stands for. This tradition embodies connections between those sitting at the table and deepens relationships allowing gratitude to flourish in the shared space. 

In Latinx households, sobremesa is a cherished tradition where laughter, stories, and heartfelt gracias are exchanged. Time is forgotten, desserts are eaten and coffee and/or tea are served. An exquisite tradition that shows how committed Latinxs are to the people around them and how memories are brought back to life just to celebrate life and the opportunity of being together. 

Postres: A Sweet Symphony of Gratitude

Is there any culture in the world that adores sweets as much as Latinxs do? Our abuelas don’t think so. Therefore, no Latinx celebration is complete without postres (desserts).  From the flan of Mexico to the tres leches cake, popular along all of Central America and the north of South America, each region contributes its own delectable creations to the symphony of Latinx sweets.

Postres are also a great opportunity to gather in the kitchen and prepare your favorite delicacies while chatting and sharing anecdotes. That’s why they are known to serve as a sweet expression of gratitude. Whether it's the comforting warmth of churros or the delicate sweetness of alfajores, postres are a culinary language that speaks volumes when it comes to expressing appreciation.

Tamales: Wrapped Tokens of Thanks

Tamales, a traditional Mesoamerican dish dating back centuries, are a savory manifestation of gratitude. These delicious parcels of masa, filled with meats, beans, or vegetables, are wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. Tamales are not just a staple of Latinx cuisine; they are a labor of love that symbolizes unity, community, and the act of giving thanks. The preparation of tamales often involves a collective effort, bringing family and friends together to create a meal that is as much about the process as it is about the result. Sharing tamales is a heartfelt way of saying gracias for the blessings of sustenance and the richness of togetherness.

And, although Tamales are more popular in Mexico and there are different versions of them throughout most of Latin America, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make them at home or even find a place in your city that includes in their recipe the secret ingredient of gratitude and love. It is about just daring to look out for the ingredients or the tamal per se. 

In Latinx culture, gratitude is an immersive experience that engages the senses and creates lasting memories. It's not confined to a mere exchange of words but is woven into the rituals of sobremesa, the sweetness of postres, and the communal spirit of making and sharing tamales. Saying gracias in the Latinx way is a celebration of culture, a recognition of shared history, and a testament to the power of coming together over a meal. With much respect and a lot of love, these three traditions can also be present in your Thanksgiving celebrations. It is all about looking for your favorite postres, learning how to make tamales, and daring to share whatever comes to your mind after the meal is over. Being grateful is also about embracing the moments that you get to have with your favorite people, being present, and -why not?- celebrating the new recipe that you’ve just learned.