St. Francis Xavier continues tamale tradition this month

In addition to their traditional Thanksgiving meals, locals will be able to add to their dishes by visiting the annual St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Tamale Sale. 

The pre-Thanksgiving sale will be from Nov. 18 to Nov. 20, when guests can purchase the church’s tamales. As in past years, it is expecting to offer other traditional foods in addition to drinks and tamales. 

Three standard flavors of tamales will be made: chicken, which are green; pork, which are red; and jalapeño and cheese, which Jackie Quintana of St. Francis Xavier said “aren’t that spicy.”

Although guests are able to purchase the tamales and other dishes directly from the church day-of, Quintana suggests pre-ordering.

“As soon as [the tamales] are ready, people are buying them,” she said. “They just fly, really quickly.”

Shoppers can pre-order by calling the church at 871-1153 and giving their name, number and order specifics. Tamales are $8 per half dozen and $16 per dozen. 

On Nov. 18, the tamale sale will take place from 4:30-8 p.m.; on Nov. 19, it will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and on Nov. 20, it will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church is located at 2 Xavier Circle in Birmingham.