The festivity of February 2nd in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria is a key moment for the Mexican economy, especially for family businesses dedicated to the production and commercialization of tamales. According to INEGI, about 13,000 formal businesses are engaged in this activity, while the figure doubles when taking into account informal businesses that employ thousands of people.
It is estimated that more than 40 million Mexicans consume tamales daily, and during this festivity, the demand triples. Considering an average price of 15 pesos per tamal, consumption is expected to generate around 1,500 million pesos nationwide. 80% of this figure will come from food sales, while the remaining 20% will correspond to the purchase of clothing for the 'Niños Dios'.
In the economic sphere, the Candelaria festivity shows the significant impact of the informal economy on the daily lives of Mexicans. It highlights the importance of formalizing these businesses to promote their growth and competitiveness in the market. The Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism reinforces this commitment to support business sectors, especially micro-enterprises and traditional family businesses.
Mexico City and Veracruz, for example, reported considerable economic spillover during the festivities. In the Mexican capital, the 'tamaliza' had an impact of 250 million pesos in 2024, while in Veracruz the figure reached 60 million pesos, according to data from the Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR).
Octavio de la Torre, president of the Confederation, emphasized the importance of promoting public policies that encourage the formality and competitiveness of these key economic players for the Mexican economy. The consumption of tamales as part of Mexican traditions, especially after the Day of Candelaria, reflects the relevance of these businesses in generating employment, wealth, and preserving the country's customs.
