Revisiting “The Great Tamale Incident” of 1976

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

After years of serving up hot, delicious, and filling tamales for the Rio Grande Valley, Delia’s made the move up HWY 281 earlier this year. Our time in San Antonio has been nothing short of amazing and we can’t wait to continue providing San Antonians meals for years to come! However, this isn’t the first-time tamales have been the talk of the town. In fact, it was nearly a presidential blunder back in 1976!

Don’t Forget the Husk!

The 1976 presidential election was heating up as President Gerald Ford and Governor Jimmy Carter went head-to-head on the campaign trail. While visiting San Antonio’s beloved Alamo, things went even more south for Gerald Ford as he was offered a plate of tamales.

He allegedly picked one up, lifted it to his mouth, and took a bite without removing the corn husk. Speaking to the Houston Chronicle, Lila Cockrell, Mayor of San Antonio at the time, said that “it was obvious he didn’t get a briefing on the eating of tamales.” However, according to the San Antonio Express-News, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas stopped the President before it was too late.

While it seems the actual events of that day are still up for debate, “The Great Tamale Incident” lives on. Now, as new San Antonians, our duty is to ensure that our guests know exactly how to consume our delicious tamales!

Visit Us Today!

Whether you’re in the RGV and craving tamales, in San Antonio and looking for a great meal, or anywhere in the U.S. wanting something new and delicious, Delia’s has you covered. Drive up to our windows or place an online order to enjoy one of the tastiest foods you’ll ever have!